Thinking About Saving Time
I’m doing consults at present which I really enjoy.
I notice something. I walk into the room and people look uncertain, apprehensive, anxious. I try to use skills that make connection and hopefully I leave them feeling a little better. This is my comfort zone, building rapport.
I might comment on the progress of local football team, or marvel over a picture of a new great grand child.
(And of course I’m mostly delivering good news about a plan to support recovery, so this makes ending on a positive note much easier).
Time
How do we save time whilst giving our full attention?
Some simple skills can help us do both.
But, I also can’t be there all day, and I’m aware of the need to maintain structure. So…
✨I introduce myself well and explain my agenda (considering the sea of other healthcare workers they might have met)
✨I acknowledge everyone in the room and their relationship (takes seconds, but is essential)
✨I explain how long I’ll be talking with them
✨I check early for their agenda/concerns
✨I signpost my way through the consult
✨I wrap up with clear actions and what to expect next
We are constantly balancing structure and rapport (or relationship) in our clinical conversations.(1)
Knowing where your comfort zone can help you pay conscious attention to the other side of the equation.
Also, it’s important to note that responding to our patients’ cues and emotions is a vital part of maintaining structure, even if it seems it sits more on the relationship building side.
If we miss their concerns, our consultation will take longer. (And, it goes without saying, they won’t get the best from it).
See for yourself…
Notice, in your next conversations, where you sit most comfortably, and think about how you might balance this equation.
Kurtz S, Silverman J, Benson J, Draper J. Marrying content and process in clinical method teaching: enhancing the Calgary-Cambridge guides. Acad Med. 2003;78(8):802-809.
