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Most of us have thought about New Year’s resolutions for ourselves. Did you make any? When I was considering resolutions for myself, it hit me – Who better to suggest New Year’s resolutions for doctors who treat Migraine disease than Migraineurs? So, without further ado, here are some suggested resolutions for our doctors:
1. Keep in mind that Migraine is a genetic neurological disease. Never let patients get the impression that you think it’s “all in their heads.”
2. Appreciate patients who educate themselves about Migraine disease and learn from them. Today’s patients have more information available to them than ever before. Don’t be dismissive of information they bring to you. Some patients realize that they are ultimately responsible for their own health and wisely spend time researching. They may actually be able to teach you something. Rather than being defensive, why not resolve to learn from your patients this year?
3. Improve the patient education resources offered in your practice. Studies show that educated patients are more compliant and have better outcomes. Encourage your patients to become educated and empowered. Put together a patient education packet with some basic information sheets, a list of recommended books, and a list of recommended Web sites.
4. Spend some time on the Internet learning about Web sites that are good resources for you and your patients. Then recommend good sites and don’t automatically dismiss information your patients find online. Once you find sites you like and trust, let the people who write those sites know what they’re doing well and if there’s a particular topic you think needs more information.
5. End each appointment by asking if your patients have any questions or anything else they need to discuss. It’s easy for patients to forget some of the questions they have for you, and it’s easy for you to feel rushed to get to your next patient. Still, if your patients have the opportunity to ask their questions, they’ll be better prepared to handle their Migraines and less likely to have to call your office later with questions. A bit more time spent with patients during their appointments means less time spent later on phone calls.
6. Take advantage of continuing education opportunities. Especially in such a quickly evolving field, journals, conferences, and other opportunities to increase your knowledge are vital.
7. Make sure your staff is professional, efficient, kind, and respectful toward your patients. Your staff’s attitude is a direct reflection on you. They stand between you and your patients. It’s essential that they treat your patients as you would expect to be treated if you were the patient.
8. Listen to your training, experience, and patients; not pharmaceutical company representatives. The newest medications aren’t necessarily the best for all of your patients. Don’t get caught up in the hype over medications the reps want you to prescribe. Their goal is profit; yours is what’s best for your patients.
1. Keep in mind that Migraine is a genetic neurological disease. Never let patients get the impression that you think it’s “all in their heads.”
2. Appreciate patients who educate themselves about Migraine disease and learn from them. Today’s patients have more information available to them than ever before. Don’t be dismissive of information they bring to you. Some patients realize that they are ultimately responsible for their own health and wisely spend time researching. They may actually be able to teach you something. Rather than being defensive, why not resolve to learn from your patients this year?
3. Improve the patient education resources offered in your practice. Studies show that educated patients are more compliant and have better outcomes. Encourage your patients to become educated and empowered. Put together a patient education packet with some basic information sheets, a list of recommended books, and a list of recommended Web sites.
4. Spend some time on the Internet learning about Web sites that are good resources for you and your patients. Then recommend good sites and don’t automatically dismiss information your patients find online. Once you find sites you like and trust, let the people who write those sites know what they’re doing well and if there’s a particular topic you think needs more information.
5. End each appointment by asking if your patients have any questions or anything else they need to discuss. It’s easy for patients to forget some of the questions they have for you, and it’s easy for you to feel rushed to get to your next patient. Still, if your patients have the opportunity to ask their questions, they’ll be better prepared to handle their Migraines and less likely to have to call your office later with questions. A bit more time spent with patients during their appointments means less time spent later on phone calls.
6. Take advantage of continuing education opportunities. Especially in such a quickly evolving field, journals, conferences, and other opportunities to increase your knowledge are vital.
7. Make sure your staff is professional, efficient, kind, and respectful toward your patients. Your staff’s attitude is a direct reflection on you. They stand between you and your patients. It’s essential that they treat your patients as you would expect to be treated if you were the patient.
8. Listen to your training, experience, and patients; not pharmaceutical company representatives. The newest medications aren’t necessarily the best for all of your patients. Don’t get caught up in the hype over medications the reps want you to prescribe. Their goal is profit; yours is what’s best for your patients.
