Working with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 832

I love my new job, but I’m struggling with the EHR, electronic health record system, on the computer. This is the sixth different I’ve have had to use. They’ve ranged from horrible to bad. This one is the least bad.

The two main problems are, first, using an EHR, and second, limited time.

The EHR requires me to gather all the data and fill in all the boxes on the forms on the computer. (Plus several paper forms to fill out.)  So I need to be typing during the patient’s appointment. There’s no other time to do it.

Sometimes I feel like I’m treating the computer and not the patient, or that the computer is more important than the patient. I do not care for this.

What does this have to do with ADHD?  As difficult as this is, ADHD only makes it harder. I’m using several strategies:

1. I need to keep my desk organized. I need the same types of papers in the same pile all of the time. Otherwise my desktop becomes a cluttered mess and I waste a lot of time trying to find the paper I want.

2. I use colored clips. For example, I put a red clip on the top of my daily schedule. That way, I don’t lose it in the papers.

 

3. I try to complete everything about each case before moving to the next, even if I’m behind. This can work hardship on patients that are waiting, but it reduces the stress on me and therefore lets me work more efficiently, and I don’t have to try to rely on my memory later.

 

4. If they’re just isn’t enough time to deal with an issue, I can reschedule the patient to return and can request more time for the second appointment if necessary. This also may be a hardship on the patient, but they will be getting better care.

 

5. I review all the records before I see the patient. This may put me behind, but it makes me more efficient.

You’ll recognize these strategies: organize, reduce stress, use colors, the rule of one, and the principle that every problem has a solution.

doug

ADHD Pearl O the Day:

With ADHD, we need a job that is interesting, has structure but always has something different.  So this job, with a schedule and so many different patients is perfect for me.

 

Confessions O the Day:

1. I do feel guilty when I find myself praying that some patient won’t show up so that I can catch up.
2. I must admit I’ve found something addictive about waiting for an order from Amazon to arrive.

Link:

How to Be Successful

Best ADHD Jobs, the full discussion

List of Good ADHD Jobs

@addstrategies  #adhd  #add  @dougmkpdp

I do better without a “boss.”