Optimizing Learning Flow

A Resident's Guide to Teaching and Efficiency

1. Know what students can do.

• Complete Patient Encounters (with supervision): Allow them to see patients independently (with your oversight). They can first present the case to you, allowing you to guide their assessment and management plan. This is excellent practice for their future roles.

• Procedures (under direct supervision): Supervise them in performing basic procedures like suturing, or splinting. This provides valuable hands-on experience.

• Order Entry (with co-signature): With appropriate oversight, they can enter orders for labs, imaging, and medications. This allows them to learn the electronic health record system and the process of ordering tests.

• Discharge Planning: Involve them in discharge planning, including patient education and arranging follow-up appointments.  

2. Optimizing Workflow with Students:

• Divide and Conquer: If multiple patients need to be seen, you and the student can divide the workload. This can improve efficiency and allow you to see more patients.

• Parallel Processing: While the student is taking a history, you can be reviewing the patient's chart or ordering initial tests. This can save valuable time.

• Utilize Student Strengths: Identify the student's strengths and assign tasks accordingly. For example, if a student is particularly skilled at physical exams, have them focus on those aspects of patient care.

• Documentation Support: While students cannot independently document for billing purposes, they can assist with documentation by taking notes, summarizing patient encounters, or helping to organize information. This can free up time for you to focus on other tasks.

• Student Passport: Encourage the student to work directly with nursing staff to complete items on their passport when you need a few moments.

• Interesting cases: Encourage the student to attend all codes. If you hear of an interesting case, have them tag along with the resident caring for the patient for that encounter.

• Learning by Reading: If a gap in knowledge is identified, have them read about the topic and give you a brief presentation about it during (or at the end of) the shift. This can be a quick way to reinforce learning and encourage independent study.

3. Integrate Students into the Team:

• Clear Roles and Expectations: At the beginning of the shift, discuss the student's role and your expectations. Assign specific tasks and responsibilities.

• Direct Supervision and Feedback: Provide direct supervision and feedback throughout the shift. Observe their performance and offer constructive criticism.

• Designated Teaching Time: Even during a busy shift, carve out a few minutes for teaching and discussion. This can be done while waiting for test results or between patients.

• Team-Based Approach: Integrate the student into the healthcare team. Introduce them to nurses, techs, and other staff members. This fosters a collaborative learning environment.

4. Important Considerations:

• Patient Consent: Always obtain patient consent before involving a medical student in their care.   

• Level of Supervision: Provide appropriate supervision based on the student's level of training and experience. Never allow a student to perform a task they are not qualified to do.   

• Learning Environment: Create a supportive and welcoming learning environment. Encourage students to ask questions and participate actively in patient care.

• Time Management: Be realistic about how much time you have available for teaching. Don't try to cram too much into a single shift.

By effectively utilizing medical students within the ED workflow, you can create a valuable learning experience for them while improving efficiency and patient care. It's about finding the right balance between teaching and service, ensuring that both the students and the patients benefit from the interaction.

AI was used to assist in the creation of this content.