Final answer:
Flowsheets are tools used by clinicians in healthcare settings to track and document patient data over time. They are particularly useful in chronic disease management. Flowsheets allow clinicians to monitor changes, identify trends, and make informed decisions about a patient's treatment plan.
Step-by-step explanation:
Flowsheets are tools used by clinicians in healthcare settings to track and document patient data over time. They provide a visual representation of a patient's progress and can include various types of data such as vital signs, lab results, medications, and treatments.
For example, in a cardiology clinic, a flowsheet may be used to track a patient's blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol levels over a period of several months. This allows clinicians to monitor changes, identify trends, and make informed decisions about the patient's treatment plan.
Flowsheets are particularly useful in chronic disease management, where long-term monitoring and tracking of data is essential. They help clinicians identify deviations from normal ranges or patterns and adjust treatment accordingly.