4 Ways to Become a Better Provider

Some may argue there is no better feeling than providing a diagnosis and treatment plan that drastically improves patients' lives. As a provider, you are responsible for helping patients get healthier, recover from illnesses and prevent diseases. The best providers know how to listen well and when to ask questions. Relying on technology and current practices can up your game as a provider, while simple changes such as taking better notes and asking appropriate questions can also significantly improve your abilities as a provider.

1. Technology

There are countless ways technology can improve the care you give your patients. Electronic medical charting has allowed multiple providers to share knowledge, tests and notes to perform a more well-rounded, team approach to health care. Applications can help with diagnosis, testing, medications and many other areas of care. There are ways to utilize technology to dictate accurate and thorough notes quickly. Using a remote annunciator can allow for more efficient monitoring and control.

Technology gives us the world at our fingertips. You can search for help or answers and receive thousands or hundreds of thousands of results in seconds. You can connect with experts in specific fields, listen to discipline talks from anywhere in the world and read any published journal articles you desire.

2. Stay Current

Evidence-based approaches can be implemented thanks to sharing best practices, new techniques, and case reports written by experts in the field. Stay current on the latest trends, newest research and other important information by reading relevant medical journals. You can read generalized articles on all fields of medicine and zone in on highly specific papers that relate directly to your specialty. The more you read, the more you will learn, even if you do not necessarily feel the need to implement the suggested changes at the moment.

Enroll in classes to learn more or to expand your knowledge in other areas. You can attend meetings and conferences to hear experts talk on various subjects and methods for specialties. You can even find recorded talks on the internet. Consider making it part of your daily routine to learn each day. This could be as simple as reading a new journal article while you have your coffee.

3. Communicate
   
   Work to become the best communicator you can be. It would help if you continually improved communication by finding ways to thoroughly and adequately explain medical terms in a way that patients of all education levels can comprehend. This involves active listening, as well. A great provider earns the trust of their patients so that patients freely and honestly provide all information, no matter how private or embarrassing it may seem. Empathy and gentleness are vital for emotionally challenging talks. Remember that the words you say may drastically alter the course of your patient’s life, so be gentle, comforting and empathetic as you communicate.
   
   4. Self-care
   
   You can’t care for your patients if you do not take care of yourself. Self-care is vital to keep your mind and body working as best they can. Ensure you are getting enough sleep each night, eating well-balanced meals and drinking plenty of water. If you are tired or hungry, you may be distracted and unable to focus on your patients. Wear appropriate and comfortable shoes, especially for long shifts. Working out, stretching and meditating routinely throughout the week are all beneficial. Sometimes providers can be the worst patients. Make sure you are seeing your doctor for preventative care and all other needs.

Great providers are dedicated to constant learning and to improving daily. There are many small changes that can make a huge difference in your patient care approaches. A great place to start is by focusing on self-care. When you feel your best, you will have more focus and energy for the tasks at hand. Communication skills are another area that may only require small changes or more awareness. You will improve not only as a provider but also as a friend or family member because communication is an essential part of all relationships. Keep your patients first and strive to be the best you can be!