How could the knowledge I’ve gained here be applicable in other rotations/disciplines?

Some of the knowledge that I believe that can be applicable in other rotation is being able to view the patient as a human being first and foremost. This was especially challenging in the psych department due to many of the patients being acutely psychotic, aggressive, and hostile. This made interviewing the patients harder. Other knowledge which I learned was to be able to piece together multiple sources of data when it comes to diagnosing and treating patients. In CPEP, there were patients that would tell you half of the story or even plainly lie to you about their condition, symptoms, and medication compliance but it was up to the clinician to verify that information with collateral information. This knowledge I believe is applicable every rotation since crucial information can be missed if we as clinicians don’t look at the entire picture.

 

Skills or situations that are difficult for you (e.g. presentations, focused H&Ps, performing specific types of procedures or specialized interview/pt. education situations) and how you can get better at them

I believe that my presentation skills and being asked questions during and after my presentation requires some practice. I believe that I can improve upon these skills by doing a through chart review and making sure that I ask the patient all the pertinent questions when it comes to doing a H&P. Another skill which I believe will require some practice on my part will be being able to redirect patients. This was a skill that I realized I was not great at when interviewing patients in CPEP. This can be improved upon by getting more exposure to the patients and trying to apply it every time a patient is not offering any information relevant to their condition.

 

Managing new types of patients and the challenges that arise from that

Some of the new patients which I encountered on this rotation did pose certain challenge but also helped me to grow professionally. When working psych department, you encounter patients that are not always the most honest or trusting of patients. This would be a challenge, how are you to help patient that do not want to be helped. I find this to be one of my biggest challenges because I have not had any patients that did not want to be helped. I usually hit a roadblock when patients do not cooperate and are not understanding. The only solace that I get is that there are now exceptions that allow us to help patients without blatantly infringing upon patient’s autonomy.

 

What do you want to improve on for the following rotations? What is your action plan to accomplish that?

Seeing how close we are to the end of the program; I believe that for the next rotation I would like to be more autonomous. For me this is important because I know when I am in the field by myself and seeing my own patients, I will be the one formulating the assessment and plan for the patient. In order to rectify this I plan on making sure on my next rotation I am more proactive in seeing multiple patients and thinking critically on how to best help the patient.