Connected Paediatrics Weekly: Do you examine children like a bad mechanic?

Hi Reader

Dad Joke: My mechanic said I can pick up my car at 5pm. I told him I don't think I'll be strong enough by then!

Song of the Week: Robert Miles x Adele - Children X Set Fire To The Rain X Murdah

Do you examine children like a bad mechanic? You know who I’m talking about, the type of guy who pokes around your possibly dodgy car engine making “hmm” and “ugh” noises, only to conclude at the end, with a sigh “Yep, it’s dysfunctional!”

"What? What’s dysfunctional?"

No clarity, just worry…and expense!

I have definitely been guilty of this approach in the past. Being all up in my head whilst I’m examining, very probably making the mechanic noises and saying unhelpful things like “that’s too tight” and “that shouldn’t be there”. No one knows what I’m referring to, or where I’m going with this and then I’m surprised when we get to the report of findings and the poor patient doesn’t have a clue what I’m talking about.

That’s not the experience we want in the paediatric office. Instead, try this…it has been an absolute game changer in my practice.

Get hold of an AI notetaker (as long as it adheres to the laws of your country). Most of them can be used free of charge. Tell the patient / parent that its running and that you are going to run through your examination.

Start at the feet and work your way up. This forces you to actually say the words and the patient / parent has to listen. By the end, you’ve built a map and so have they. (and your notes are halfway there!)

What you’ve also created is a shared memory that you and the parent can step into together at the report of findings. That map lets you discuss what you found and why it matters. In short, assessing like this doesn’t just find issues - it creates a framework for a lasting, trusted partnership.

Grunts don’t build that foundation, shared understanding does!

PS. Last chance to join me in Chester for Paeds in Motion (Early Movers 0 - 2yrs) on 7 & 8 March!

Chat Soon

Mike