Educator Essentials (Installment 5)
Time Management Strategies for Effective Teaching Rounds
Balancing work efficiency and educational impact during teaching rounds is crucial. This guide offers practical strategies for educators leading medical teams. We'll explore time management techniques, communication skills, and expert tips to maximize learning opportunities.
by Eric Barna
Respecting Team Time Constraints
Advanced Planning
Balance work rounds and educational impact through careful preparation. Set clear objectives for each session.
Time Tracking Tools
Utilize silent timers on smartphones or smartwatches. Stay on track with key target points. 3 Alarm Schedule
Set 20, 10, and 5-minute silent alarms. Ensure timely completion of rounds. 4 Protect Educational Time
Respect post-rounding resident educational activities. Only urgent situations should interrupt this protected time.
My 20-Minute "Power Plan"
Chart Review (5 min)
1
Efficiently review patient charts. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and educational value.
Goal Setting (5 min)
2
3
4
Define objectives for bedside rounds. Identify high-impact clinical points to discuss.
Team Check-in (5 min)
Assess team rhythm with resident leads. Align plans based on team needs.
Teaching Toolkit (5 min)
Prepare key teaching points and relevant articles. Plan targeted physical exams and "look up" assignments.
Effective Communication During Rounds
1 Structured Agenda
Establish and review a clear agenda at the rotation's start. Ensure everyone understands expectations.
3 Active Listening Environment
Encourage team members to share insights. Create a space where all voices are valued.
2 Prioritized Discussions
Focus on highpriority patients and critical issues. Avoid getting sidetracked by less urgent matters.
4 Real-time Feedback
Provide immediate, constructive feedback to team leads. Address efficiency and flow issues promptly.
Experts Corner:
ECG Review on Teaching Rounds with Dr. Ariel Elyahu
1. Focus on Understanding, Not Memorization
Emphasize building a strong conceptual foundation in EKG interpretation.
Explain the core principles
Reduce reliance on memorization by deepening understanding of the basics.
2. Standardize EKG Interpretation
Advocate for a systematic approach to reading EKGs. Encourage students to break down complex EKGs into fundamental components.
Promote an intuitive process based on physiological pathways, like the path of depolarization, over strict checklists.
3. Reinforce Key Concepts
Revisit and reinforce topics regularly
Incorporate previously discussed concepts into future lessons using new EKG examples.
Help students build connections by analyzing EKGs that combine old and new material.
Have a collection of EKG's readily available
Identify and Address Gaps in Understanding
Frequently check in with students to detect any misunderstandings or knowledge gaps.
Use these moments to clarify foundational concepts, especially if they affect understanding of advanced topics.