DRD1: "Maximizing Productivity: A Guide for Medical Post Graduates"

Post-graduate medical training is a demanding yet rewarding journey, requiring dedication, knowledge, and efficiency. By strategically integrating technology, AI, and apps into your daily routine, you can optimize your workflow, enhance patient care, and create space for personal well-being.

With the increasing work load young doctors are at the risk of burnout

The most important and first tool to use for medical post graduates

To do list

A well-crafted to-do list is an essential tool for efficient work as a medical post-graduate.  It acts as your roadmap, guiding you through the day's tasks and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. Prioritize your to-do list based on urgency and importance, tackling the most critical tasks first. Break down larger projects into smaller, actionable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Utilize digital task management apps to track your progress, set reminders, and even collaborate with colleagues on shared projects. Regularly review and update your to-do list to adapt to changing priorities and ensure you stay on track to achieve your goals.

The simplest is a piece of paper you can keep in your pocket while you run around. HOD asked about to read a topic, note it down then and there. Consultant asked you to add a medicine in the patient chart, write it down then and there in that piece of paper.

Our minds are for thinking, it cannot retain data for long period. Rewrite the to do list every day morning.

Example of using Google Keep

Time Management Mastery

• Smart Scheduling: Leverage calendar apps like Google Calendar or Outlook to create detailed schedules, set reminders for tasks and deadlines, and even share your availability with colleagues for seamless collaboration.

Tasks can be added with a deadline and colour code.

Meetings and presentations can be added as events.

You will get reminders at the set time on your mobile.

Google calendar can be used to remind you about tasks and meetings

• Data-Driven Time Tracking: Utilize apps like Toggl or Harvest to track time spent on various activities. Analyze this data to identify time sinks and optimize your schedule for maximum productivity.

• Task Management with a Tech Twist: Embrace task management apps like Todoist or Asana. Create detailed project plans, assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and track progress in real time.

• Prioritize Tasks: Once you have a list of things to do, use a system like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks as urgent/important, important/not urgent, urgent/not important, and not urgent/not important. This helps you focus on what truly matters.

Eisenhower matrix

You should not work hard blindly, work smart too.

Clinical Efficiency

• Mastering Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Become proficient in navigating your hospital's EHR system. Use customizable templates, shortcuts, and voice commands to quickly access patient information, order tests, prescribe medications, and document encounters.

• Even learning a bit of typewriting on a keyboard can help in a great way.

Check out Keybr and 10fastfingers for free online type writing training. You just need to spend 10 minutes a day to see the results within 1 month.

• Point-of-Care Medical Reference Apps: Equip yourself with knowledge at your fingertips with apps like UpToDate, DynaMed, or Epocrates. Access the latest evidence-based medical information, guidelines, and drug references instantly, enhancing your clinical decision-making. Some have subscription fee, but if few of your colleagues can pitch in a buy it, the quality of your presentations and knowledge will skyrocket.

• Streamlining Documentation with Voice-to-Text: Embrace voice-to-text dictation software like Dragon Medical One to dictate notes directly into the EHR. This can significantly reduce documentation time, minimize typing errors, and improve the overall accuracy of your medical records.

• Delegate Tasks: If possible, delegate tasks like lab orders, scheduling, or medication refills to nurses or other team members.

• Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together, such as making phone calls or responding to emails, to minimize context switching.

Note-taking apps

• Google Keep: Simplest tool you can get on Android and Apple. It is easy and simple to use. But it has its own limitations.

• Notion: Take note-taking to the next level. There are options to give multiple subsections and sub-pages. Notes can be shared in editable versions with others.

One note: Another free app for note-taking. The biggest advantage is you can write notes with an apple pencil or S pen.

All these apps can be synced across mobile, tablet, and PC.

Academic and Research Productivity

• Reference Management for Research Success: Utilize reference management software like Zotero or Mendeley to create personalized libraries, store and organize research articles, generate citations effortlessly, and collaborate on projects with colleagues.

• Advanced Literature Search Strategies: Master search techniques on platforms like PubMed, Google Scholar, or Embase to quickly identify relevant research articles. Use filters, Boolean operators, and citation tracking to refine your search and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements.

• Emerging AI Tools for Literature Review: Explore cutting-edge AI-powered tools that can summarize research articles, extract key findings, and identify trends, potentially saving you hours of manual review time.

• Find a good mentor: It can be someone from your department or outside or even your colleague. Finding the right person can bring about a great deal of change in your life.

Self-Care and Well-being

• Digital Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and reduce stress with the help of guided meditations and relaxation techniques offered by apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer. These apps can help you cultivate a calmer mind and improve focus.

• Data-Driven Health Tracking: Utilize wearable devices like Fitbits or Apple Watches to track your physical activity, sleep patterns, and heart rate. This data can help you identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

• Telemedicine for Convenient Consultations: Access mental health professionals, specialists, or even primary care physicians remotely through telemedicine platforms. This can save you time and provide convenient access to healthcare services.

A doctors life can be stressful

Additional Tips for Tech-Savvy Post-Graduates:

• Stay Informed: Subscribe to medical tech newsletters, follow industry leaders on social media, and attend conferences to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements in healthcare.

• Network with Tech-Enthusiasts: Connect with colleagues who are passionate about technology and learn from their experiences and recommendations.

• Embrace a Growth Mindset: Be open to experimenting with new apps, tools, and platforms. Continuously evaluate their effectiveness and adapt your workflow to optimize efficiency.

Click here to read more about burnout.

By seamlessly integrating technology into your daily routine, you can unlock a new level of efficiency, enhance patient care, advance your medical knowledge, and create a more balanced and fulfilling post-graduate experience.