9 Ways to Enhance Patient Care as a Medical Provider
Medical professionals are tasked with the physical and psychological care of their patients. Whether you’re a medical doctor, nursing practitioner, caregiver, or certified medical assistant, ongoing training can help you provide better care to your patients. We have compiled a list of training or techniques that are sure to enhance your patient care skills.
Learn to Recognize Psychological Warning Signs
Psychological symptoms are not uncommon with certain medical conditions. Patients with chronic pain, for example, may exhibit signs of anxiety or depression. Learning to recognize the signs of a psychological disorder can help you get your patients the care they need. Mental health disorders are commonly overlooked in the medical environment. Ensuring you always have access to a list of mental health resources can also help you respond to patients who may be in emotional distress.
Domestic Violence Education
Domestic violence education can also be helpful for medical professionals. In some cases, a person’s doctor or nurse may be the only connection they have with the outside world and their only opportunity for help from a domestic violence situation. It’s important to learn how to discreetly handle domestic violence and get a patient the help they need. There are many online trainings that can help you learn awareness signs and who to call for help.
CPR Certification
Many medical positions require CPR certification. However, even if yours doesn’t, this certification can be helpful when responding to patient emergencies. CPR certification typically requires the completion of a class plus an exam. It’s important to note that renewal is also a requirement for maintaining a CPR certification. However, with CPR renewal online options, keeping your certification current is easy.
Effective Communication Practice
Communication is an important skill in the medical field. While many hospitals and organizations focus on improving communication between staff, few recognize the importance of medical provider-to-patient communication. One of the biggest complaints in a medical environment is a lack of communication and transparency. Taking a few extra minutes to explain care and discharge instructions to patients can go a long way. Going over medical papers with younger or elderly patients can ensure they understand their expectations.
Brush Up on Mobility Safety
Many medical professionals are tasked with working with patients who may use mobility devices to get around. Learning the safety practices and protocols of mobility safety can help keep your patients safe. This includes helping patients move from a bed or chair to their wheelchair. It may also include helping patients move within their own room, such as from a bed to the couch or bathroom.
CDC Training
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers training to healthcare professionals on topics like COVID-19, vaccines, nursing home sanitation, nonpharmaceutical interventions, psychological first aid, and workplace violence. These pieces of training are a great way to expand your skills and provide better care to your patients in the medical field.
WHO Training
World Health Organization (WHO) training can also be useful for medical professionals. The WHO handles diseases that affect the world, including COVID-19. They issue proper handling and quarantine protocols for different diseases around the world. If you work closely with patients who may travel internationally or be exposed to those that do, this may be important training for you.
First Aid Certification
Some medical providers may find benefit in a first aid certification through the American Red Cross. A first aid certification is in addition to CPR and teaches students how to respond to some of the most common emergencies. First aid certification is also useful for those who may work in the medical field but not directly with patients. Some healthcare organizations may recommend that front desk or administrative employees become first aid certified. A first aid certification can also benefit you in your personal life, helping you respond to a long list of emergencies.
Special Needs Training
Medical professionals or team members who work with children with special needs may benefit from special needs training. These trainings help medical professionals develop the skills they need to work with patients with different disabilities. The classes may help medical professionals learn how to best work with both intellectual and physical disabilities. While there aren’t currently training standards for working with these populations, taking a class or two can significantly improve your ability to more effectively help them.
The medical industry is made up of a wide range of professionals involved in all levels of patient care. If you work with patients in the medical industry, additional training, such as CPR or first aid, can be beneficial.
