As a medical professional, you know that time is precious. There are always patients to see, phone calls to return, and paperwork to fill out. It can be difficult to find time for everything, let alone have any leftovers for yourself. That’s why it’s so important to be as productive as possible during your workday.
Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to increase your productivity. By streamlining your workflow, reducing distractions, and taking advantage of technology, you can get more done in less time. After all, there are only so many hours in the day, and there’s always more that could be done. From streamlining your workflow to taking steps to reduce distractions, here are five tips to help you boost your productivity and get more done each day.
Streamline Your Workflow
One of the best ways to boost your productivity is by streamlining your workflow. Find ways to save time on tasks that you do on a daily basis. For example, if you’re manually inputting patient data into your electronic medical record (EMR) system, see if there’s a way to automate the process. This could involve investing in software that integrates with your EMR or working with your IT department to set up automatic data entry from other sources (e.g., laboratory results).
There are a lot of systems that will provide you with all of the information you need for a patient. That way, once they sign in for their appointment, the records for the patient can be accessed directly in the patient’s room by the doctor. Any notes that the doctor takes can be placed directly in the patient’s file for access in the future. This also makes it easy for placing laboratory results in their name while doing a few other things that aren’t done directly in your doctor’s office. For example, this software can be used to track any calls for prescription renewals or concerns that patients have after they leave the office.
Reduce Distractions
In today’s world of constant distractions, it can be difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. But if you want to be productive, it’s important to find ways to reduce distractions and concentrate on what you’re doing. One way to do this is by setting aside specific times for checking email and returning phone calls. This will help you avoid getting sidetracked every time a new message comes in. You should also let colleagues know when you’re unavailable so they know not to interrupt you during those times.
Many doctor’s offices will have time set aside for such tasks so that patients can’t make an appointment for that time. Due to many doctors having more patients than time, it can be easy to schedule emergency appointments in during this time. However, this time to focus on the office work side of your practice should be prioritized. If necessary, adjust the hours of your office to accommodate this time.
For example, if you do paperwork better in the morning, then have the office open an hour later so that you can spend that hour before patients are able to make an appointment. If you are better at paperwork at the end of the day, then close your office to patients an hour earlier so you have that time set aside. By doing this, you don’t have to worry about emergency appointments getting in the way of the business side of your practice while also preventing you from staying at the office for an unnecessary amount of time.
Take Advantage of Technology
There’s no denying that technology can be a major distraction. But if used correctly, it can also be a powerful tool for increasing productivity. There are, of course, apps and tracking systems for your personal or business productivity. However, there are also technologies that are specific for medical professionals that can make a big difference in your productivity. For example, a medical director can help you coordinate with other health professionals to ensure that your patrons are getting the care they need. And if you find yourself wasting time browsing the internet during the day, consider using a web blocker like Freedom or Cold Turkey so you can stay focused on what’s important.
Set Priorities
With so many demands on your time, it’s important to set priorities and focus on the most important tasks first. Start each day by making a list of everything that needs to be done and then prioritize those items based on importance or urgency. This will help ensure that you’re spending your time wisely and not getting bogged down with low-priority tasks. If something isn’t urgent but still needs to be done eventually, add it to your list but don’t stress about it until it moves up in priority.
Take Breaks
It may seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually help increase your productivity levels by giving you time to recharge mentally and physically. When you start feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, take a few minutes (5-10) for yourself – step away from your workstation, take some deep breaths, and clear your head before getting back to it refreshed and ready to go.
Implementing even just a few of these strategies can make a big difference in your productivity levels as a medical professional. By streamlining your workflow, reducing distractions, setting priorities, and taking breaks when needed, you’ll find that you have more time – and energy – for the things that matter most.
