Hi Pandora: Yes, a trained individual can detect much about a patient and their status, even just standing at the door - if they learned to be observant. Of course in earlier times, health workers senses had to relied upon due to the lack of sophistication of lab, technology, and accurate bedside measurments. Many of the senses tend to be lied upon more than others. But I truely believe almost any of the dozen or so sensense can be trained to be stimulated and used in the classroom or lab for student study, classroom lessons, or skill testing. It takes skill and practice, just as anything new will require. But it can tremendously valuable as a result. Regards, Barry