tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923898585032516837.post5003674232617070675..comments2024-03-21T03:35:30.766-04:00Comments on Family Practice Pearls: Direct Patient-Care Face Time (DPCFT)David Koohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00656191898064289529noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5923898585032516837.post-59817940291915470382012-06-02T16:19:55.899-04:002012-06-02T16:19:55.899-04:00There are only so many minutes in a day etc. It i...There are only so many minutes in a day etc. It is my humble opinion that what matters most to my patients is quality not quantity. In fact I deviced a small study for my group of 12 FPs which revealed that simple gestures increase patients perception of quantity of time spent as well as quality of time spent. #1 Remove clocks from exam room. #2 Immediately apologize for the time they have waited and acknowledge how valuable their time is. #3 Always sit to listen to their story...always! #4 Always look patient in the eye when they are talking. #5 Don't interrupt them! If they digress...gently refocus. #6 Aak if they have anything else they want to discuss. If there is...suggest another appointment so you can devote adequate time and attention...unless it can be cared for in very, very short time. #7 Never ever ask if there is anything else while your hand is on door knob as you leave. Our study indicated patients felt visits were as much as 30% longer than actual time. Quality grades increased by 25%. Time taken for each visit...decreased by 20%. There are many more little things that can accomplish the same result. We each have our own mannerisms that can make a difference. We just have to be aware and be willing to change.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com