Some patients don't want to deal with uncertainty, others don't want to be tested unless there is a benefit. Doctors need to take into consideration patient wishes and medical circumstances. Dr. McAfee from Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound said that physicians must look at claims for efficacy of new screening techniques with a critical eye. Save time by delegating. Rely on nurses, not physicians, to do most of the patient education.
Receptionists can pass out brochures and help with screening appointments.
Receptionists at Kaiser Permanente-Colorado facilities, for example, check patient charts and hand out health risk appraisal questionnaires. This support enables physicians to spend time talking to patients about preventive tests or making changes in their lifestyles. Even these types of brief messages from doctors are effective in changing behaviors, studies show. In addition, getting staff involved in prevention may have an added benefit. Promote and build your practice.