Domain: Clinical Mgmt (Part 1)

I'm starting to tackle my domains one by one as I continue to trudge along daily next-actions. While multi-tasking may not be advisable as our to-do list continues to grow, we nevertheless need to look at the big picture for perspective. So today, I'm looking at one section of ladders, under the domain of "Clinical Mgmt". To work on improving in domains, I'm gonna 1) sketch out what my perfect ideal scenario for the domain is, 2) what are the specific goals I need to meet to reach that ideal scenario, then 3) what are the next-action steps, which are doable and concrete, that I can start to work on now.

So here we go!

"Clinical Mgmt", for me, is the domain regarding the clinical work I do. This means the specific cases referred to me for intervention. 

Perfect Scenario

Ideally, I have a clear grasp of all my clients under my charge. I know how to help them. I become a go-to person regarding that case. My sessions can happen as they are planned and I can flow if they don't. And in this stance, I am prepared for breakthroughs, and ad-hoc incidents (such as clients suddenly making suicide threats!) and take them in my stride. My clients look forward to my sessions because they benefit from it. Parents, schools, other professionals working with people involved in the child's care find me professional, knowledge, and most importantly, reliable. My supervisor is impressed and confident about the work I do independently.

Sounds great. So what goals would I have?

Specific Goals 

I would

1. know my current workload.
2. possess a clear understanding of my cases; they are formulated, formulations are updated according to new info and continued assessment.
3. be timely in contacting/responding to relevant parties involved in the client's care.
4. have prepared session materials beforehand — assessment tools, psycho-ed information, toys, etc.
5. bring up cases for timely supervision; my supervisor can endorse my plans, critique my work, and guide me on cases that require more help.
6. document all plans, sessions, and liaison work properly to ensure accountability and communication.

Next-actions

• Prepare an excel sheet database of clients
• have columns for names, identifying information, relevant contacts/numbers, next-action tasks
• add security to file, to ensure confidentiality of client information
• have column to make sure formulation is done
• have column to enter next-action tasks: writing session notes, preparing materials for next session, contacting people, bringing up for supervision, etc.
• review database every day to see what next-action tasks are urgent, and which are not done yet
• update to include new clients

This database would give me a clear understanding of workload, goal (1). This would also help keep track of what follow-up work I might need to do.

• Prepare a physical file to store case formulations

• Block out time in clinic calendar to do thorough case formulations

• Prepare photocopies of assessment tools and have them filed properly for easy access
  
  
• Block out time in clinic calendar to do follow-up next-actions
  
  
• Brainstorm about how to create system for "Clinical Mgmt" to ensure review
• a workflow or agenda should be prepared on specific things to do when a case is referred (updating the database), when a session is completed (enter follow-up actions into database for next-actions, when to write case sheets, enter them into the general to-do list etc.)
  
  
• KIV: specific template for pre-treatment assessments, or formulations can be prepared

There we have it.

The concrete next-action steps that can be entered into my current to-do list that would work towards the goals to help me improve on my "Clinical Mgmt" domain, and the sub-domains of "Casesheets", "Liaison / Case Mgmt", "Supervision" and "Admin". To note, obviously better clinic work would involve continuous upgrading in clinical skills. That comes in the other domain of "Specialized training". And I would also need to look at another sub-domain of "Clinical Mgmt", for IQ assessments.

But for now, at least I have a clearer big picture for my clinical work. And I'm thankful for that. More updates to follow on how goes improving this domain.