More Than a Pair of Hands (Part I)

In the fast moving world of physical therapy, a great aide can be the difference between a smooth running office and a hectic one.  Obviously, practices differ in terms of the number of aides working at one time, the aides’ responsibilities, and the education/training therapists are looking for when they hire new aides.  Nevertheless, if you are currently an aide or a therapist looking for assistance, improving on or finding someone with the following skill set can go a long way to improving the quality and vibe of your PT office.

Over the next few weeks I will try to flesh out a few of these skills in hopes of giving some direction to members of the PT world that sometimes go unnoticed.

ANTICIPATION

Humans are creatures of habit.  To become an effective aide it is important to learn the habits of your co-workers and patients.  For example, do you have a therapist who prefers massage cream to lotion when performing manual therapy?  If so, make whatever they prefer to use available for them in their treatment room.  Is there a therapist who likes to start off all ACL repairs with the same exercise protocol?  If there is, stay one step ahead of the game and have descriptions of those exercises ready for the therapist before they even ask.  This saves them time and lets them know that you are in sync with the way they like to work.

Just as therapists have their preferences, so do patients.  Every office has a handful of patients who have been attending therapy and rehabilitating for years.  If Mr. Smith always gets dressed and heads right for the UBE, you should have the bike set up for him when he walks out of the changing room.  Your swift action is flattering to the client and very important for patients who see your office as one of the few places they feel relief.  Remember, going to physical therapy for the first time can be an overwhelming and scary experience.  Keep a calm and inviting composure for every client whether they are an appreciative angel or a crotchety curmudgeon.

Anticipation can benefit basic office protocol as well.  Start to get familiar with how long supplies will last so that you can place and order before something runs out.  Also be aware of how new evaluations work in your office.  Is a private room needed?  If so, make sure one is ready.  What does the therapist need?  Tape measure?  Goniometer? Reflex hammer?  Plan ahead and make sure those things are in the room.

Doing all of these things may seem simple and obvious, but actually doing them helps the  therapeutic section of your office run more effectively, and will enhance your multi-tasking skills for those times when the office is unavoidably overwhelming.

Part 2- Inquiry…