Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Nick Ferran usually practices at HCA Chiswick Medical Centre. However, with the Covid-19 lockdown necessitating the cancellation of face-to-face appointments, he is now using video consultations as a safe, convenient way of caring for existing and new patients. Based on that experience, here Nick shares five tips for making the video process run smoothly.
1) ‘Ensure all relevant medical information is available in a digital format. Send it to your surgeon prior to the appointment (photos of previous clinic or referral letters will be sufficient) and discuss how to transfer x-rays or scans with the Practice Manager.
2) ‘Make a list of the questions you want to ask. Even after traditional appointments patients often leave thinking, “I wish I’d asked that.” The challenges of adapting to new technology makes forgetting more likely, so ask a relative to sit in with you – an extra pair of ears always helps. Your surgeon should still produce a clinic letter recording what has been discussed during the video consultation.
3) ‘Test your computer equipment before the appointment. Video consultations are only as effective as the technology, so it’s a good idea to have a rehearsal with a friend.
4) ‘Find a quiet, private room to ensure minimum disturbance during the consultation.
5) ‘Make sure the room is large enough to accommodate a video examination. As as shoulder and elbow surgeon, I require my patients to stand back from their phone/tablet/computer during consultations so that I can see how their arms move.
‘Even after lockdown restrictions are lifted, I expect video consultations will be here to stay. They minimise exposure to clinical environments, reduce the need for surgeons and patients to travel and will solve any problems caused by limited geographical access to specialist opinions and treatment.
‘If you are struggling with a shoulder or elbow problem, do get in touch to arrange a video consultation. My team will help you navigate through the process so that we can get you back on the road to recovery.’
Nick Ferran practices at HCA Chelsea Outpatient Centre and HCA Chiswick Outpatients & Diagnostics and provides patient information videos on his youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF2jlQpjKGUtbq6FTj5dbxg
His specialities include:
- Clavicle, Elbow and Shoulder fractures and degenerative conditions
- Rotator Cuff tears
- Frozen Shoulder
- Ulnar Nerve compression
- Tennis & Golfers’ Elbow.
Nick Ferran @ Shoulder & Elbow London
HCA Chiswick Outpatients & Diagnostics
280 Kings Road,
Chelsea SW3 5AW
02071646312
HCA Chiswick Outpatients & Diagnostics
347-352 Chiswick High Road,
Chiswick W4 4HS
02071646312
admin@shoulderandelbowlondon.com
https://www.shoulderandelbowlondon.com
