What are some measures that separate a good from great health professionals?

All too often we see arguments unfold on social media regarding particular clinical details; techniques, theories and research papers all presented by highly marketed individuals. The problem is that each of these online arguments are people trying to brandish their superiority rather than improving health treatment as a whole. In my opinion these bright, shiny arguments never look a fundamental benchmarks to work out if we are even any good to start with.

Great news!

Let me share with you three of our fundamental business numbers that has helped us work out whether one of our team members needs to pick up their game.

1.      Patient Visit Average

We’ve found that clinicians who average at least 4.5 individual sessions per patient had better long term results. 

The clinicians were adept at building trust with patients and addressing concerns that may have been ‘hidden’ from the first few consultations. The patient felt supported, happy and most importantly had excellent results long term.

Commonly new graduates have lower PVA’s as they believe they must create immediate results with their super knowledge as fast as possible. What ends up happening is the patient walks away confused and overwhelmed which leads to feeling frightened and unsupported.

Not only is the patient upset but the new clinician feels deflated within this period because no one has coached them on expectations, behaviors and timelines.

2.      Alternate Service Offerings

I’m not talking about what’s just inside the clinic you practice in or own. I’m talking about how carefully you listen to your patients. They’re constantly telling you about problems they need help with but have you picked up on this?

Often patients will mention they are trying to lose a few kilograms but they’ve been struggling for over a year despite trying different eating programs. Have you asked them whether they’d like help? Do you know anyone that can help them?

Heck, it could even be just referring back to your patient’s GP because recently they’ve been struggling with heavy fatigue and energy loss. You might find out they’ve just be ‘ignoring it’.

How thankful would you be as a patient if your health professional really listened to you and explained how a GP or another service might help their concern?

We’ve found that great clinicians tend to average discussing other services for every 1 in 5 patients.

3.      Self Reflection & Clinical Critique

Sounds obvious, but many people don’t engage in a structured way with their clinical experiences.

We’ve found that clinicians who write down a weekly journal of high points, low points and their biggest lesson of the week are far more likely to avoid the same mistakes and improve exponentially.

I don’t know about you, but everything requires attention these days and everyone who thinks they’re going to remember is delusional – you’ve got to write this stuff down… otherwise how will you know what you’ve tried in the past for the same roadblock?

At Champion Health we also give our clinicians the option of having a senior or experienced clinician sit in and observe your sessions every couple of months.

The mere presence of someone else there helps you think critically about what you’re presenting to the patient in real time. If you start to get nervous or lose your train of thought, chances are there is some incongruity in your thoughts and actions.

It’s a great humbler and a little feedback on your strengths and weaknesses helps you realise how much better you can become.

In summary you’re probably a good health professional if you have:

1.      Patient Visit Average above 4.5

2.      Provide at least 1 other service suggestion in every 5 patients

3.      Practice weekly written self reflection or clinical critiques. 

How well do you stack up?