Today we visited a Retirement home just outside of Albany to practice obtaining histories from patients. This visit was part of Clinical Skills Lab (the one where we also learned ABG's and splinting!) Each of us were partnered up with another classmate to interview one of the residents in the home. It was amazing to learn about the different lives they all lived before they moved to the home. Some of them were in spectacular health for their ages, and they lived such inspiring lives!
A few take home points from this history taking experience:
1. Stay on tract, politely, with elderly patients who like to tell stories.
As a new provider, we never want to be rude and act disinterested in what they have to say; however, we are on a timed schedule and need to keep the history taking to a minimum. What my partner and I experienced was that we were a little too liberal with our patient. We often let her talk about certain topics longer than necessary, which caused us to go over our allotted time. She seemed to enjoy our presence and welcomed us with open arms in her home, but next time, we should be a little more strict with ourselves. All in all, we still completed the assignment properly and learned a little extra from our pleasant, inspiring patient.
2. When reporting to other physicians, keep the summary statements and report to a minimum.
Many of us were adding extra information about the patients when giving our summary report. In reality, the next physician will only need to know enough to take care of the patient in urgent situations. He will be able to look up details about the patient in their chart if needed.
3. Report all pertinent medications when handing off to next physician/PA.
This sounds extensive at first impression, but it is necessary in case the physician needs to come up with a new med to put the patient on, deal with the patient in an urgent situation or anything else where he does not have time to comb through the chart for all the information.
Next week we will learn about how we did as a class on the visits and our write-ups. (After each resident encounter we need to complete a patient write up with their history). Then. the week after that.... we get to practice intubations at the Sim. Center! Stay tuned!
A few take home points from this history taking experience:
1. Stay on tract, politely, with elderly patients who like to tell stories.
As a new provider, we never want to be rude and act disinterested in what they have to say; however, we are on a timed schedule and need to keep the history taking to a minimum. What my partner and I experienced was that we were a little too liberal with our patient. We often let her talk about certain topics longer than necessary, which caused us to go over our allotted time. She seemed to enjoy our presence and welcomed us with open arms in her home, but next time, we should be a little more strict with ourselves. All in all, we still completed the assignment properly and learned a little extra from our pleasant, inspiring patient.
2. When reporting to other physicians, keep the summary statements and report to a minimum.
Many of us were adding extra information about the patients when giving our summary report. In reality, the next physician will only need to know enough to take care of the patient in urgent situations. He will be able to look up details about the patient in their chart if needed.
3. Report all pertinent medications when handing off to next physician/PA.
This sounds extensive at first impression, but it is necessary in case the physician needs to come up with a new med to put the patient on, deal with the patient in an urgent situation or anything else where he does not have time to comb through the chart for all the information.
Next week we will learn about how we did as a class on the visits and our write-ups. (After each resident encounter we need to complete a patient write up with their history). Then. the week after that.... we get to practice intubations at the Sim. Center! Stay tuned!