Time Management

Time Management during your patients encounters is very important.

A total of 25 minutes is allocated for each encounter, first 15 minutes for the actual encounter and 10 minutes for writing the patient note

First 15 minutes

Your time starts with the beginning of the announcement "examinees you may begin your encounter"

So as soon as you hear the word "EXAMINE......." slide the cover of the patient doorway information

A few seconds before the announcement, there is another announcement, " SPs Plz Prepare". As soon as you hear this keep make your hand ready to slide the cover

I recommend you to use the first 15 minutes in the following way

1 minute:For reading the doorway information, making a mental

checklist of HPI questions and DD, knocking on the door

and turning the knob and entering the room*

6-7 minutes:- For introduction with the patient, draping and

history taking

4-5 minutes:- For washing your hands and physical exam.

2-3 minutes:- For counselling and closing your encounter

Last 10 minutes

In the last 10 minutes you have to right the patient note

It should be written in the following order

Differential Dx

Investigations

Examination

History

10 minutes are more than enough If you have moderately practiced

patient note writing.

Abbreviations:- Are very important and useful since the time and

space to write the patient note are limited.

*if the case does not include physical examination ( telephonic, parent of child)

you can even spend 4-5 minutes at the door, preparing your mind