Streamlining Healthcare Workflow: The Power of Shortcuts
We live in a world full of shortcuts, EMIS is no different. We'll be diving into the world of shortcuts and quick codes, exploring what they are, how to use them effectively, and providing you with practical examples. Additionally, I'll touch on the important medical-legal considerations when implementing these shortcuts. Stick around until the end, and I'll even share a valuable bonus: a collection of shortcuts I use daily. Let's get started!
The Value of Time and Efficiency
In the healthcare field, time is a precious resource, and being able to work efficiently can have a significant impact on patient care. My experience working as a GP in Australia taught me a valuable lesson: "Time is money." In Australia, GPs are often paid per patient contact rather than by the hour, emphasizing the need for speed and efficiency in medical practice. Shortcuts are a fantastic way to achieve this.
The Power of Shortcuts
Shortcuts are a game-changer when it comes to automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks in healthcare. They can be immensely helpful in patient notes and documentation, making your work smoother and more efficient. But how do you use them effectively?
Let's explore some practical examples to see how shortcuts can simplify your daily tasks:
Safety Netting for Viral Illnesses
Imagine you're in the midst of the cough and cold season, dealing with numerous kids who have self-limiting viral illnesses. While providing safety netting is crucial, it can be quite repetitive. Instead of typing out the same safety netting instructions for every case, you can create a shortcut. For instance, you might have a shortcut called "full stop safe" that automatically populates the appropriate guidance in your notes. It's quick, easy, and ensures consistent patient care.
Polite Referral Closings
When making referrals to secondary care, it's common to include a polite closing message. Instead of typing this out each time, you can have a shortcut, like "full stop ref," that adds the courteous closing message for you. It's a time-saver and maintains professionalism in your communication with colleagues.
Creating Your Own Shortcuts
Setting up shortcuts is a straightforward process. Here's a general guide to creating them in your clinical software:
1. Access your clinical software.
2. Navigate to the quick codes and text section, which is typically found in the settings or configuration.
3. Click the "Add" option to create a new shortcut.
4. Name your shortcut (using a unique identifier like a full stop or hashtag).
5. Define the text or content you want the shortcut to insert.
6. You can also assign a code to the shortcut for easy access.
7. Save your shortcut.
Remember that when using shortcuts, it's crucial to ensure that what you document aligns with your actual patient interactions, as there are medical-legal considerations to keep in mind.
Medical-Legal Considerations
Using shortcuts in medical documentation comes with a primary legal principle: you must have discussed what you put in your notes with the patient. It's essential to provide a comprehensive and accurate record of the encounter. In other words, shortcuts should complement and not replace your thorough patient interactions.
Bonus: A Collection of Helpful Shortcuts
As a bonus, I've included a list of shortcuts that I use regularly in the video's description. You're welcome to copy and paste them into your own clinical system to enhance your workflow.
All Of My Shortcuts:
.safe - imp viral cont otc para and ibu if fever more than 5 days rash vomit drowsy not PU concerns TCB 111
.ref - We would greatly appreciate your input
.well - no fevers E+D ok otherwise well
.uss - Please see signed USS form in Shared/Legacy/MPopGill/USSRequests
.tel - Tel consult due to COVID - 19
.exam - temp 36.1 pulse 120 rr 20 no WOB chest clear HS N CRT less than 2s ears nad throat mild inflammation no exudate
.booktel - Please book telephone appt with doctor to discuss
.vm - Left voicemail asked to call back at patient's convenience to discuss
Conclusion
Efficiency in healthcare is of utmost importance, and shortcuts offer a practical solution to streamline your workflow. By incorporating these time-saving tools, you can provide excellent patient care while also optimizing your daily tasks. If you found this information helpful or have any questions, feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. And if you'd like to see more videos and content like this, please subscribe. Best of luck in your medical practice, and may these shortcuts make your life a little easier and more efficient.