FeaTure
ge
Chris Geor
A lesson in archaeology: Dr Judith Harvey has to tidy first, and do her job second
The locum
“Locums should not have to search through
daily practice chore. They
archaeologisT
piles of papers and overflowing drawers, to find
are also a common cause
A typical GP’s consultation of complaints. For locums,
room is a monument to their
essential information, like medical certificates”
signing repeat prescriptions is
individuality. But it can be a particularly high-risk activity.
difficult for a locum who has system for where equipment A locum will not know if Mrs In the real world, both sides
to search through a desk full and forms are kept. Providing a Jones usually looks that funny need to minimise the risks.
of papers, knick-knacks and box of essential bits and pieces colour, or what “white pills” For the locum that means
family photos, or drawers specifically for locums is very she was prescribed last week. checking the patients’ notes
crammed with drug company handy. In turn, locums should Adequate notes are essential before signing; for practices
freebies, spare spectacles leave a consultation room in the to maximise patient safety. All that means allowing the locum
and stale biscuits, to find a state they found it; everything doctors should write notes with time to do so, and accepting
peak-flow meter or the medical should be as it was left. the assumption that the patient that a locum may be justified
certificates. Unearthing the may be a stranger to the next in deciding not to sign certain
tools of the trade can be an The locum mind-reader doctor who sees them. prescriptions. Patients on
exercise in office archaeology. GPs who know their patients anti-hypertensive or asthma
Untidiness is hard to cure, but very well may carry a lot of The locum prescriber medication, who haven’t been
it helps to establish a common the information in their heads. Repeat prescriptions are a reviewed for years, repeats for
www.mps.org.uk YOUR PRACTICE VOL. 3 NO. 1, 2009 7
YP07 pp06-08 real doctor.indd 7 3/2/09 13:33:58
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