Almost embarrassed to put this up, seems trivial and then I remember that we ARE to sweat the small stuff. Having our first warm weather and ladies are coming in all oiled up or someone had a massage. We are teaching the patients how to get on the tables themselves but I'm noticing the oil on the table when I'm done adjusting someone. So I tell the tech to wipe it down before I go to the next patient. Eventually we plan on going to open room. This certainly does not help flow. Suggestions?
Table cleaning ques
(14 posts) (6 voices)-
Develop a hand single for table needs cleaning. I do a motion as if I am squeezing a spray bottle for what you described and I do a coughing motion with hand to mouth if someone is sick. We use stronger stuff for sick but we use 7th generation all purpose cleaner for the rest. A major part of that dynamic is traing the staff to be attentive when you are adjusting so that their eyes are on you to give the signal. If you have to track them down that is a flow stopper. But with a quick signal and eye contact, barely a blip and on to the next patient. This was not a dumb question. :)
Posted 1 year ago # -
What other hand signals do you use Dr. Perron, there are a lot of times I just do something because it needs done when many of these flow stopping activities could be delegated to a staff. I don't even think of it, just do it.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Delegating is a definite challenge, especially if you have some drive and you just go, go, go. But the reality is that delegating is a major necessity for growth. Although many of us would like to do everything, we just can't at a decent volume. That is why we have staff. They should be doing EVERYTHING that we don't need to legally do. There is your goal. :) Simple. You will be shocked at how much you get freed up to work on something else that requires your attention and move through this process much faster, but learning to delegate is part of the learning process. It is actually a level of respect for your staff as well to trust that they can do it. They will appreciate that.
As far as hand signals, the only other one I can think of is me tilting my hand, mimicking the table tilting up, if a patient needs a ride on a given day. That is the other thing that is huge with the staff. They are part of your escape plan from the talkative patients. The staff steps in to fill that void and away you go keeping the flow going. Teach your staff and let them participate in the visit process.
Posted 1 year ago # -
I use a polishing motion with my hand and raise one finger for table 1, two fingers for table 2 etc. to signal table needs to be cleaned. I tug on my ear to indicate there is a smell in the room, grabbing the nose may be offensive to the patient. I place my hand on my chin (like you are interested) when I need a staff to insert themselves into a conversation so I can move on from a talkative patient. The staff places the palm of their hand down to indicate a patient is ready and laying prone on the table. A thumbs up lets the staff know to place a patient on an adjusting table after I walk out of a RYF. A raised eyebrow and contorted face means WTF :)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Awesome, after I read this post it got me thinking and had a training session with my staff. Wow, we went through the financial report and teaching how and where to place the travel card and how and why to get on the table before I come in and I could sense her relief at having done it 15 times in a row the right way and having a sample dialogue to use that really flowed. Found some other flow stoppers like the patient not disposing of their own paper, etc. Thanks guys!
Posted 1 year ago # -
Love the hand signals, use a few myself, the wiping motion for cleaning, which we use baby wipes with aloe, keeps the tables soft and supple like a baby's bottom. Patient's also see where the box of wipes are and can use them if they wish. I rub my hands together if I need a wipe because the patient may be dirty, have some garbage men I work on. We put a fitted sheet on the table for them (actually showed them where it was and they get it themselves) to protect the table. I move my arms like a QB Hassig, to have the staff quiet the waiting area if they get too rambunkish (?). Dr.Rich what is the hit and run sign?
Posted 1 year ago # -
I always motioned arm forward to throw deep. My coach responded with arms spread wide open and a puzzled look on his face (wtf Hassig, it's fourth and inches?!) As for the tables, we go with the wax on/wax off signal when they need cleaned, and I'll have the exam tech check regularly, when available, during the summer due to moisturizing.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Dr. Hassig, what technique do you use which requires you to moisturize your patients? As for you Dr. Tad, why would you want your patients using baby wipes on themselves? Oh never mind, I forgot you use Logan Basic, probably a good idea to have them "clean up" a bit before the adjustment. And Dr. Perron, I pound my chest first, then wipe the shoulders and adjust the cup. :)
Posted 1 year ago #
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