A thorough, efficient practice depends on preparation and training
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KOLOA, Hawaii — Glaucoma practices can take steps to increase efficiency without compromising patient satisfaction, according to a speaker here.
“The goal is not to waste any effort,” Brian E. Flowers, MD, said at Hawaiian Eye 2023. “Leave no stone unturned, but you want to avoid ever seeing the patient two times within the same day.”
Image: Adobe Stock.
According to Flowers, a glaucoma specialist must demonstrate a strong knowledge of data and develop treatment algorithms so they can be prepared for all possible outcomes for each intervention.
“When you have your algorithms fairly well set in your mind as to how you're going to proceed, there is no time wasted on guessing what you're going to do,” he said.
Setting up a fast method of data review and educating technicians keeps patient flow moving efficiently.
“The technician needs to know exactly why the patient is there on that day before they start,” he said. “I like to make it simple for the technicians, so in the history, tell them to read the assessment plan and focus on the two elements they want to see: something about the vison and about whether the patient’s eyes are comfortable.”
When interacting with patients, Flowers tries to begin the slit lamp exam within 20 seconds of meeting the patient to better engage them and to save time for quality discussion after the exam.
“And when I am finished, there is a seamless handoff to my technician. Once I stop talking, they know to start,” he said.
It is possible for a practice to be both thorough and efficient, Flowers said.
“It is incumbent upon us as physicians to train our staff appropriately,” he said. “Anyone can improve with the proper processes in place. I can testify to that.”
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Flowers BE. Maximizing efficiency while maintaining glaucoma care. Presented at: Hawaiian Eye 2023; Jan. 14-20, 2023; Koloa, Hawaii.
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