communication with healthcare workers (week 7)

doctor job

evaluate

diagnose

make referrals

establish a treatment plan

write orders:

• to have treatment carried out while in the facility

• discharge orders for placement and equipment

• follow-up therapy or tests

nurse job

carry out the treatment plan established by the physician

give medications

monitor response to treatment

assist the physician when needed with procedures

communicate patient and/or family concerns or requests to the physician

establish a rapport with the patient/family

case manager job

to interview the patient, his family, other support systems that could possibly assist the pt

gathers info on the home situation

listens to pt concerns

orders equipment

resource for continued care outside of the facility and sets up follow-up care

provides referrals to other programs that can assist the pt in getting funding for medical equipment and pharmaceuticals

verifies insurance and checks to see what the pt’s insurance will pay for equipment and services

acts as a liaison between the hospital and another facility

records updated information in the medical record

OT job

to evaluate and treat patients with various deficits in strength, ADLs and ROM

mobility in the aspect of self care

recommend equipment and treatments

assist with mental health assessment and treatment

make adaptive splints for pt

recommend referrals for other therapies

co-treat with other therapies for the betterment of the patient

Provide patient/family education

speech therapist job

to evaluate and treat patients with speech, swallowing, or cognitive deficits

make recommendations of future dietary considerations for safety

recommend techniques for swallowing and speech

patient/family education

Ways to communicate with other healthcare workers

Written

Verbal

• Telephone

• Page

• TigerText

Face to face

written

Physician orders

Leave physician a note to convey info or clarify info

Chart in the PT section in the patient’s chart in a narrative or SOAP note format

verbal phone

Call the physician’s office, nurse, other healthcare professionals

verbal page

Call the physician’s pager or answering service and leave a call back number

verbal tigertext

a secure electronic communication that will send a text to the physician

face to face

Can speak to a physician if you see him in the hallway

Make your info brief and to the point

Other healthcare professionals typically have more time to talk to you

What info should be passed on?

Patient’s status

Progress

Abnormal reactions: vital signs, responses, mental status changes, falls

Discharge info (living situation, family issues)

Safety issues

Equipment needs

What NOT to say?

DO NOT degrade or speak in a negative way in front of a patient about another staff member or discipline

When you speak to a healthcare professional, watch who is around you when you provide information