(From a discussion held at a recent IMA meeting in Ahmedabad)
Telephonic consultation is a day-to-day situation that every doctor faces in one way or another. However, most doctors remain confused on how to handle this.
Problems related to telephonic consultation
Calls can come anytime, anywhere; the doctor may not be prepared or free to take the call.- Such consultations are time-consuming, as some patients take lots of time to explain the problem.
- The OPD routine gets disturbed, as communication with the next patient in the clinic OPD at that time suffers.
- It is often difficult to recollect patient history on the spot, or doctors simply may not have access to it at the time of the call.
- It is not financially rewarding, as there is no formal concept for it, and most patients do not want to pay for this kind of consultation.
- Serious mistakes can be made in patients hearing the names of prescribed medications, and this can put patients at risk.
Practical aspects and problem areas
- It is a necessary evil.
- Patients prefer to call and talk to a doctor rather than visiting them for minor ailments or giving them updated reports, etc.
- It saves patients time and money.
- Reaching the doctor over the telephone is quite helpful when the patient is travelling or on holidays when the clinic is closed.
- Mobile phones have created havoc, as they are often being misused by patients as an “inquiry service.”
...
3 Comments