One of the most crucial lessons from the film Catch Me If You Can, is that pretending to be a doctor only goes so far.
The character of Frank Abagnale found himself in an awkward position when he had no clue about the tools doctors use.
Such a con may have been easier to pull off decades ago, but not so much today.
Not only is knowledge of medical tools critical, but today’s physicians also need the technical savvy to operate patient care apps and business management tools.
If you’re considering a career in medicine, listen up! Don’t get caught with egg on your face.
Learn how to operate these essential tools for doctors.
1. Patient Care Apps
Patient care has transformed dramatically over the years.
More doctors and medical practices are taking a patient-centric approach. This type of plan keeps patients out of the dark and more involved with their healthcare.
Patient-centered philosophies strive to align medical decisions with the needs and preferences of the patient.
One of the best ways to deliver this type of service is through patient care apps.
There are various types of patient care apps, and each one is tailored toward a specific practice.
For example, a medical nutritionist may require their patients to use apps that track and manage meals. A general care doctor may use an app to communicate recent test results.
Making sure patients have unmitigated access to their records and health progress is essential for healthcare in the 21st-century.
2. Medical Practice Management software
Running a private practice is about administering 5-star care to patients. It’s also a business.
Doctors who want to own private medical practices also require extensive knowledge of business management tools.
Today’s private practices need more than file cabinets and overstuffed patient files. Modern practices also need management software to run efficiently.
Medical practice management software comes with the following features:
- Automated medical billing
- Medical answering service
- Patient booking features
- Employee scheduling
- Medical invoicing
- Medical supply purchase orders
- Patient reminders
Even with a full staff, you need adequate management software to ensure accuracy and positive patient experiences.
3. Tools Doctors Use for Checkups
When you go for your regular checkup, you’ll notice a few familiar tools in your doctor’s office. These physician tools are the industry standard.
Physicians need tools to check your ears, eyes, reflexes, heart rate, intestines, and blood pressure.
Here’s a quick rundown of tools doctors use for general checkups:
- Reflex hammers (or knee percussor) test motor reflexes
- A Sphygmomanometer checks blood pressure
- Stethoscopes to check heartbeats and intestinal movement
- Otoscopes check for ear health
- Tongue Depressors are used to monitor the throat
- Blood pressure cuffs check blood pressure
Physicians may use a small flashlight device to check pupils and administer an eye test with a Snellen eye chart.
4. Eye and Ear Care Tools
Medical professionals who specialize in eye health may work as Optometrists, Opticians, or Ophthalmologists.
These career paths require extensive knowledge of eye health tools.
Optometrists use tonometers to analyze eye fluid pressure. Tonometers are used to diagnose such eye diseases as Glaucoma.
Phoropters and autorefractors are used to find refractive errors in patients. These tools use varying lenses and images to decipher a patient’s eyesight level.
An Ophthalmologist uses a retina camera to discover and diagnose eye diseases. They also use an Ophthalmoscope to investigate the interior of an eye.
As eye health technology advances, more eye doctors are using computerized vision screeners to catch complex eye problems.
5. Sanitary Tools
All doctors must practice exemplary sanitary standards.
If you look around the examination room during a checkup, you’ll notice several essential items.
Common sanitary items include sterilization fluid, hand washing stations, anti-bacterial soap, paper towels, disposable medical gowns, hygienic pads, clean cotton swabs, and disposable Otoscope covers.
One of the most critical sanitary tools to know is medical gloves. Aspiring physicians should thoroughly research the difference between vinyl vs nitrile gloves while in medical school.
Doctors must also understand standard disposal procedures for waste management and bio-hazardous materials. All examination rooms should have proper receptacles for medical waste.
6. Surgical Tools
You can’t be a decent surgeon without extensive knowledge of sanitary protocol and tools.
Surgeons must sterilize surgical tools before operating to prevent infection.
Surgeons must also be mindful to avoid leaving tools inside patients, as this can lead to a medical malpractice suit!
Here are the primary surgical tools to know:
- Surgical blades and scalpels
- Hemostatic devices to control bleeding
- Tissue forceps
- Retractors to keep incisions open as you operate
- Precise surgical scissors
- Suture needle holders
- Surgical drills
- Dilators to widen narrow passages in the body
Within those categories, you’ll find a wide selection of tools that vary in size, precision, and material type.
As a surgeon, you have to research these tools thoroughly and understand the best brands for your patients’ needs.
Most surgical tool brands have representatives that you can talk with directly.
Make sure to update your surgical tools as need and to get rid of any recalled medical supplies.
7. What Do Physicians Wear?
Last but not least, you have to dress for the occasion as a doctor. Physicians and all medical professionals have strict dress code requirements.
Many people ask why doctors wear lab coats. There’s no particular reason other than the fact that white lab coats stand out.
However, lab coats are designed for convenience, making it easier to keep tools nearby.
Nurses and surgeons are required to wear medical scrubs.
Scrubs come in soft cotton and blended fabrics. Many medical professionals prefer cotton scrubs because they’re easier to wash and sanitize. They’re also easier to iron.
High-tech fabric blends are becoming more popular. These types of scrub fabrics wrinkle less than cotton. They also don’t stain as quickly and are durable.
However, high-tech blends aren’t as comfortable as cotton.
As a medical professional, choose scrubs that work for you and adhere to standards.
Get the Tools You Need to Succeed!
Success as a doctor starts with knowledge. Start your journey by understanding the tools doctors use every day on the job.
You’re passionate about helping others. Explore your potential! Continue to grow your medical career with the latest insider tips and advice.
Don’t forget to bookmark our site to never miss our latest posts!
You must be logged in to post a comment.