EHR v Covid-19. Video Visits: How to Improve the Patient Experience

The new normal? No white coat during Video Visits! (c) CT Lin

Executive Summary: We have a global pandemic, daily policy changes, we work from home, have new video tech, and we are learning to communicate and build relationships in new ways. It is easy to forget that there may be a scared patient on the other end, counting on us. How might we improve the patient experience? Some ideas:

IDEA DETAILS

Secure Chat with your MA	Scrub your schedule together, days ahead for patients more appropriate for telehealth vs in-person visits, med rec, troubleshooting, visit focus
Arrange your room, self	See tipsheet in Epic “Demonstrate Professionalism.“ How is: your room, your light, your clothing?
Eye Contactand, put a sticky note on PC cam to “LOOK HERE!”	Arrange the camera at eye level if possible. For some, looking down = frowning? Eye contact on video visits is EVEN MORE important. “If I look away it is because I’m looking at information in your chart”.
Avoid running late	If you DO, inform your MA by Epic secure chat & they can inform patient
Greet the patient	I like to raise my arms in surprise when we connect: every human connection now, is amazing. Maybe thank them for connecting with you. Ask if they’re in a safe private spot (eg: advise patient NOT to be driving!)
Talk, human to human	Ask: how are you coping (aside from medical concern)? Scared? Worried?
Reflective Listening	Even more important now in this time of anxiety. You can reflect or say back Data, Ideas, Feelings, Values. It strengthens connection: for example DATA: “It has been 5 days of worse symptoms?” IDEAS: “so you think it might be gout?” FEELINGS: “you’re worried about work? Hmm.” VALUES: “so, what’s important to you is your family.”
PEARLS	Some clinicians may have taken the Excellence in Communication course. The PEARLS acronym can also be helpful. Some examples: Partnership: “We’ll get through this together.” Empathy: (reflective listening, as above) Apology: “I’m really sorry that happened.” “I’m sorry for my part in it.” Respect: “You have worked really hard on this.” Legitimization: “Anyone in your situation would feel that way.” Support: “My team and I are here for you. We aren’t going anywhere.”
Physical Exam creativity	Teach them to take a pulse “say beep when you feel it” and YOU can count. Patients may have a BP cuff, Pulse ox, flashlight, thermometer.
Ask for help from family	Others may help add to history or exam findings
They may ask about YOU as a human	“How are YOU doctor? Are you staying safe?” So many surprising comments from patients worried about their doc. Thank them!
Brief LIFE advice	During pandemic, consider: A) Limit news/social media to 30 min/day. B) Exercise daily. C) THREE GOOD THINGS exercise: proven to reduce depression, anxiety if done consistently “What 3 things are you grateful for today?” Can become a great family habit at dinner.
AVS, Open Notes	From My Health Connection, they can see your AVS (after visit summary) and your Progress note (called Clinical Note) to remind them of details of your visit. Maybe at end of visit, ask: “Sometimes I don’t explain myself well. Can you tell me what you’ve heard, so we’re on the same page?”
Reassurance and Hope	“We’re going to get through this!” “Stay in touch with your loved ones.”
Ending the visit	Consider: a handwave OR palms together, nod OR thumbs up OR “You Got This!” Forecast next steps or if your MA will call them after.
Secure chat with your MA	Handoff any items after visit for continuity (referral, next visit, lab, etc)

Link to PDF of this document.

And, here is how our Medical Office looks now, deconstructed. One part is in my basement …

The deconstructed doctor’s office (c) CT Lin

And here’s Medical Assistant Becky, hard at work keeping both the patient and the doctor on track at her home. That virus has got no chance against us.