Recording and Interpretation
Need of a case record has been emphasized by all the stalwarts for various essential purposes. Every case can be a piece of learning. Therefore, it is imperative to have it recorded properly. Since it is almost impossible to keep all the data intact without any distortion, the necessity of a proper recording has been felt acutely. The purpose of a case record is to keep all the information adequately and accurately recorded for future references. Case record should communicate the exact picture of the patient which has been obtained by the physician. This is possible only when recording is done properly without being hindered by any subjectivity of the physician. While giving directions for investigating the case, Master Hahnemann has greatly emphasized the necessity of being unprejudiced and stressed the need of fidelity in tracing the picture to overcome the subjectivity in practice.
Very often it is noticed that all the information of the sick person do not find a place in case record. While the physician might fail to record some information, he might unduly focus on some other. All the events and effects should be recorded without any interpolation or deletions. While recording, beginners are cautioned not to get influenced by the symptoms of drugs as recorded in the Materia Medica.
Very often the use of technical terms can create confusion, so it should be avoided, but at the same time, physician should apply common sense while noting down the picture in patient’s own language. In our practice, for instance, we come across many cases where patient shows hypogastrium and says, ” Doctor, I have got stomach ache.” For gas (flatulence) complaints, some patients might say “I have got gastric,” etc. Whatever the patient is trying to communicate should be properly received and interpreted by the physician. The physician should be careful while interpreting the words of the patient as the prejudices of the physician might crawl in here without his awareness.
Though much is said about prejudice, it is an accepted fact that remaining unprejudiced is not an easy task. Kent once stated “It would almost seem impossible to find at the present time one who could be thus described (unprejudiced)” To be unprejudiced is to be aware of our own prejudices. Once we are aware of them, the chances of committing wrong interpretations and recording them would be less.
Intensity of symptom should also be given due consideration while recording. Each and every symptom should be recorded by putting marks above it.
For example: Salt craving 3 (more intense)
Salt craving 2 (intense)
Salt craving (moderate)
For effective repertorisation, precise recording is very crucial for proceeding further with the subsequent steps. Recording is not done independent of interpretation; so both should be done simultaneously.
