Just one thing: Relocate or duplicate

During your last consultation, how many times did you step out of the exam room? Was it for a stethoscope? A pen? Scissors, clippers, or lab supplies? Medication? Something else?

Each time we leave the consult room, we interrupt our connection with the client and patient—and add precious seconds or minutes to the consult. How often does a teammate stop us along the way with a “quick question”—which may feel urgent at the time but might not have happened at all if we hadn’t passed by?

Over time, these small delays add up. They can affect both the client/patient experience and your team’s efficiency.

A quick path to improvement

Here’s a simple challenge for the week:

Step 1: Take five minutes to reflect on your last consult. What did you leave the room for? Could that item be relocated, duplicated, or added with low-cost redundancy? 

Step 2: Take 10 minutes to make just one change—relocate or duplicate.

What should you relocate or duplicate? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one practice may not suit another, and what’s worth duplicating often depends on cost. (Bandage scissors? Easy win. Ultrasound machine? Probably not.)

That said, here are some possible quick wins to consider:

• Your preferred stethoscope (We all have a favorite.)
• Gloves that fit and match your material preference
• Bandage scissors
• Slip leads (You can never have too many!)
• A favorite model or aid you use for client education
• A small bin or basket for reusable items that need cleaning.

These also might be worth discussing with your team:

• Cytology prep supplies (slides, stain, mineral oil) so you can prep while you talk 
• Clippers (Could each room have one?)
• Blood draw supplies—especially if you’re comfortable collecting in the exam room

The key: reflect, decide, and make just one change this week.
 
Small adjustments can make a big difference, helping the consultation flow more smoothly and making the experience better for your client, your patient, and you. With just 15 minutes of thought and action, you can add a little more ease—and hopefully a little more joy—to your work.