Questions to Ask a Potential Collaborating Physician
Before entering into a collaboration with a physician, it is important for advanced practice providers (APPs) such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to have an introductory conversation that lays the foundation for the relationship. An introductory meeting with a potential collaborating physician sets the tone for a successful and compliant collaboration.
This proactive approach fosters a collaborative environment where both sides of the collaboration can effectively contribute, share knowledge, and deliver high-quality patient care. It also establishes a foundation for mutual respect, effective communication, and an optimal division of responsibilities within the collaborative healthcare team.
This post offers guidance on your introductory meeting with a potential collaborator. From understanding the physician's clinical background to navigating discussions about communication preferences and technological readiness, we share strategic questions that can lay the foundation for a harmonious and productive collaboration.
Background, Experience, and Ongoing Education
Inquiring about your potential collaborating physician's clinical background and experience will help you understand the physician’s expertise, which ensures alignment with the specific healthcare needs of your patient demographic. It also helps you assess the physician’s ongoing education and awareness of evolving medical knowledge.
Example Questions
1. What is your clinical background and experience?
2. Have you completed any specialized training relevant to our practice or patient population?
3. Are there any limitations or restrictions to your scope of practice that I should be aware of?
Communication Standards and Expectations
Discussing your potential collaborator’s specific needs, expectations, and communication preferences will establish a transparent and effective working relationship. Clarifying expectations ensures alignment in goals and responsibilities, promoting a cohesive healthcare team.
Ask about communication methods and timing – whether email, video calls, or phone calls – to avoid misunderstandings and lay the groundwork for streamlined workflows and a collaborative partnership that prioritizes effective communication.
Example Questions
1. Do you have any specific needs or expectations for this collaboration?
2. How and when will we communicate with each other?
3. What is your preferred method of communication (e.g., email, video calls, phone calls)?
4. How will you handle emergencies or situations that require immediate attention?
Use of Technology and Virtual Care
Understanding your potential collaborator’s familiarity and level of comfort with technology and virtual care is important. Understanding their availability for virtual consultations and access to necessary technology ensures seamless integration into virtual care. Clarity on managing patient records in a virtual collaboration will help you stay organized and maintain secure information exchange.
Knowledge about the EHR system in use, and the physician's familiarity with it, streamlines communication and documentation. Additionally, discussing emergency procedures during virtual care establishes preparedness for unexpected situations, ensuring patient safety. Addressing these questions proactively ensures a collaborative environment with aligned expectations, efficient workflows, and a patient-centric approach, ultimately contributing to effective and technology-enabled healthcare delivery.
Example Questions
1. What is your availability for virtual meetings and consultations?
2. Do you have access to the necessary technology and resources for virtual care?
3. How will patient records and documentation be managed in a virtual collaboration?
4. What electronic health record (EHR) system or software will you use, and are you familiar with it?
5. What are the procedures in place for handling emergencies or unexpected situations during virtual care?
Feedback, Professional Growth and Ongoing Improvement
Collaborators should aim to achieve a proactive dialogue that contributes to your ongoing professional development, ensuring a culture of accountability, transparency, and optimized healthcare outcomes. A partnership built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a dedication to delivering the highest quality care through a process of continuous learning and improvement is ideal.
You may also want to ask your potential collaborator if they are open to receiving feedback and making improvements to create an environment of ongoing improvement.
Example Questions
1. Are you open to participating in quality improvement initiatives and peer reviews?
2. Are you open to receiving feedback and making improvements as needed?
Conclusion
Remember, your introductory meeting with a potential collaborating physician is more than a formality – it could be the cornerstone of a partnership that will impact patient care profoundly.
By delving into the physician's background, aligning expectations, and addressing technological nuances, advanced practice providers can help create a collaborative relationship that prioritizes communication, mutual respect, and continuous improvement.
Try to approach your introductory meeting with confidence, armed with a commitment to form a partnership that not only meets professional needs but, more importantly, enhances the quality of healthcare for the benefit of the patients you both serve.
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