::Coping With Paperwork ::

Keeping on top of the paperwork

Once you have organised yourself and worked through the backlog, it is important to keep on top of the paperwork so it does not build up and become unmanageable again. There are many simple things you can do that can help ease the burden. These include:

•  Dictate clinic letters after each patient wherever possible - the details are all fresh in your mind, and you won't have to look back at the notes.

•  Write or dictate discharge summaries as soon as possible after the event - again, this reduces the time spent looking back through the notes.

•  Keep a list of outstanding paperwork so that nothing "slips through the net" and gets forgotten.

•  Don't forget about important non clinical paperwork - it is easy to overlook - you need study leave and annual leave to maintain your skills and your sanity.

•  Try to set aside time every day or every week specifically for paperwork.  You are more likely to do it when it is timetabled, and regular small amounts prevent large build ups. Even half an hour helps.

Don't forget about electronic paperwork - these days, you may receive or send correspondence (including referrals) by email, and soon this may become routine.

Finally remember, that no matter how high the paper mountain gets, it can be managed if broken down into smaller chunks.

Further Reading :

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic673.htm

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