Private practice presents many challenges! However, one that’s often unexpected is the isolation many feel when transitioning from the public system or a study environment.
In private work, even if in a busy practice, most clinicians are sequestered off in consult or treatment rooms, with a solid caseload and limited overlap of breaks with one another. And during breaks, they often work to catch up on notes, phone calls, and paperwork – the list is endless.
It’s also a tough one to raise for many clinicians, who may feel this is something they’re just supposed to get used to.
As a practice owner or manager, you can make a big difference in the experience your clinicians have on a day-to-day basis and how happy they are in private practice.
Ideas to try in your practice
Following are some strategies our clients have applied. Not all work for everyone, but you may find one or two to trial in your clinic:
A shared hotdesk area – as well as encouraging interaction, this can also save on costs, such as IT, furniture, etc.
Scheduling lunch breaks to overlap and encouraging people to eat in the tearoom. A side benefit of this one is a reduced need for reception/admin coverage over a time when you want them to take breaks, too.
Professional Development (PD) evenings. Clinicians don’t always look forward to being the presenter themselves… but really enjoy the opportunity created, both professionally and socially.
Small interest groups to review relevant case studies – of current patients or from journals.
A range of different social events. Try collecting ideas from the team, and don’t be discouraged if only a few come along at times. Sometimes, the smaller gatherings present the best opportunities to connect.
A birthday/significant events list created and displayed means people are aware and can mention them (and maybe bring a cake to share!).
A team newsletter/update, emphasising informal content.
Senior/long-standing clinicians mentoring, plus taking the lead to welcome new team members.
An arrangement with a local café to encourage coffee catch-ups between clinicians.
Shared morning tea items – food is always a key conversation starter!
A photo board with shots from previous social events, jokes, patient cards, etc.
A regular riddle/puzzle/brain teaser left on the tearoom table.
As an owner/manager/clinician, stick your head into consult/treatment rooms in the mornings or during the day and say hello.
Encourage people to leave their doors open when possible, and they’re not treating.
A huge side benefit of many of these strategies is the clinical and professional development that flows. This is another thing clinicians tell us they miss when in private practice – it just doesn’t happen in the same way as the MDT and shared-care meetings they were previously part of.
Your team will probably have many other ideas once you get them started, so it’s worth raising the topic at your next meeting.
By recognising that isolation is a genuine issue for many clinicians, particularly when new to private practice, and then putting strategies in place, you’ll improve the culture for your whole team. That’s good for individuals, patients and your bottom line!
The Augmentum team provides a broad range of consultancy and management services, supporting healthcare business owners and decision-makers in many key areas, such as strategy development and action planning, building effective foundations and teams, keeping your finger on the pulse, and driving growth and success.
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