Strategies for Ensuring Continuity of Care

Introduction

Continuity of care is a vital aspect of denturism, ensuring that patients receive consistent and uninterrupted professional care and services. During my tenure at the College of Alberta Denturists (College), I have received calls from patients of our members complaining about the lack of accessibility of their denturist. While it sometimes boils down to miscommunication or personality conflicts, I believe it would be beneficial to offer a few potential solutions to ensure patient-centered care, which may reduce or even eliminate calls to the College from unhappy patients.

Vacation Planning and Patient Notification

Whether planning a vacation or unexpectedly need to take extended leave, it is important to keep your patients informed and provide them with alternative care options or alternate contact information based on the nature of the issue. This ensures that patients are aware of the situation and know who to reach out to in case of episodic care or urgent needs.

In a one-person clinic, taking vacations and effectively managing patient expectations can be challenging. However, advanced planning can significantly alleviate these difficulties. By planning well in advance whenever possible, it will result in a smoother transition for the patient. Moreover, establishing a network of trusted healthcare professionals who can provide support during vacations or unexpected leaves is essential. This collaborative approach guarantees that patients continue to receive the necessary care and attention they deserve even when the primary denturist is unavailable.

Handling Fully Booked Schedules

In situations where the schedule is fully booked, it is essential to effectively address patient needs and provide appropriate solutions. Consider the following steps to manage the situation and ensure patient satisfaction:

1. Efficient Appointment Management: Employ effective appointment management strategies, such as optimizing scheduling systems and allocating appropriate time slots for different types of procedures. By streamlining the workflow, denturists can minimize scheduling conflicts and improve overall service delivery.
2. Waiting List or Cancellation List: Maintain a waiting list or cancellation list for patients seeking appointments. In cases of cancellations or rescheduling, these patients can be contacted to fill the available slots, ensuring that care is provided in a timely manner.
3. Urgent Care Protocol: Ensure there is a protocol in place to address episodic or urgent patient needs, even when the schedule is fully booked. This may involve setting aside specific time slots or collaborating with other denturists to ensure prompt attention to critical cases.

In conclusion, it is crucial to engage in proactive communication with patients regarding upcoming vacations and proactively schedule appointments to uphold continuity of care. Additionally, when necessary, denturists should provide alternative solutions and make referrals to ensure patients receive the necessary support. By consistently prioritizing patient-centered care, denturists not only fulfill the expectations for continuity of care but also contribute to enhancing the patient’s oral health and overall well-being.

For more information on the expectations of denturists regarding continuity of care, refer to the Standards of Practice on the College’s website.