Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
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GP Locums
Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
<p>Being a GP locum is different from being a GP based in practice and as a locum you're likely to face a unique set of challenges. This forum is here for you to share your experiences and learn from others in similar situations.</p> <p>Don't forget, if you want help regarding your personal situation, speak to the BMA on 0300 123 1233.</p>
As a GP locum you're responsible for your own work and this brings different challenges to being employed in the same location. It's the simple things, like forgetting to check that your equipment wor
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Cat:OffDutyForum:f7b51a50-b2f6-4526-a5c2-3a206f7698f4Discussion:c895a567-18d9-4be3-a94c-d0252e5065dc
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Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
posted at 18/6/2012 2:07 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 33
First: 28/7/2011 Last: 15/2/2013 |
As a GP locum you're responsible for your own work and this brings different challenges to being employed in the same location. It's the simple things, like forgetting to check that your equipment works before you leave the house that can catch you out. A GP locum recently told how she went to check a child's ear for an ear infection, before realising her otoscope was out of batteries - but where do you search for batteries in a surgery you don't know!? I'm sure many GP locums have experienced similar challenges so please share your top tips for being a GP locum. |
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Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
posted at 18/6/2012 5:11 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 2
First: 18/6/2012 Last: 10/9/2012 |
How a locum GP can do Audit Cycle and what should be the topic. A locum GP is not fixed to one surgery,and don't get any help from practices for data collection from that practice, even he goes to same practice probably couple of times only in 4-6months time |
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Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
posted at 27/6/2012 6:38 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 2
First: 27/6/2012 Last: 27/6/2012 |
In Response to Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum: How a locum GP can do Audit Cycle and what should be the topic. A locum GP is not fixed to one surgery,and don't get any help from practices for data collection from that practice, even he goes to same practice probably couple of times only in 4-6months time Posted by vijoysingh Hi Have you looked at the SOAR resource for locums at: http://www.scottishappraisal.scot.nhs.uk/appraisal-preparation/sessional-gps.aspx where you might get some ideas? I work as a locum and prefer to make good connections with a small number of practices which means I am happier, practice more safely and my CPD is easier. If you ask the manager to include you in mailings, they usually oblige and most good practices will welcome you to their SEA meetings - if they don't then I would honestly reconsider working there, but it does depend on building good relationships with practices. Also the GMC Supporting Information for Appraisal and Revalidation does not require us to do an audit and this is one of the key documents for revalidation. A case review with reflections and how it changed your practice is also a useful quality improvement activity. Hope that helps. Best wishes Connie |
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Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
posted at 27/6/2012 9:25 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 2
First: 27/6/2012 Last: 27/6/2012 |
In Response to Top tips I need to know as a GP locum: As a GP locum you're responsible for your own work and this brings different challenges to being employed in the same location. It's the simple things, like forgetting to check that your equipment works before you leave the house that can catch you out. A GP locum recently told how she went to check a child's ear for an ear infection, before realising her otoscope was out of batteries - but where do you search for batteries in a surgery you don't know!? I'm sure many GP locums have experienced similar challenges so please share your top tips for being a GP locum. Posted by c_a_t I always carry spare batteries and basic equipment like otoscope, ear thermometer, pulse oximeter, stethoscope, PEFR meter and I always arrive half hour early to orientate myself - check the room and that there is paper in a functioning printer. I also usually put my name on the door which looks professional and I find patients and staff respond positively to this small touch. |
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Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
posted at 27/6/2012 10:36 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 21
First: 11/12/2008 Last: 27/6/2012 |
In Response to Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum: In Response to Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum : Hi Have you looked at the SOAR resource for locums at: http://www.scottishappraisal.scot.nhs.uk/appraisal-preparation/sessional-gps.aspx where you might get some ideas? I work as a locum and prefer to make good connections with a small number of practices which means I am happier, practice more safely and my CPD is easier. If you ask the manager to include you in mailings, they usually oblige and most good practices will welcome you to their SEA meetings - if they don't then I would honestly reconsider working there, but it does depend on building good relationships with practices. Also the GMC Supporting Information for Appraisal and Revalidation does not require us to do an audit and this is one of the key documents for revalidation. A case review with reflections and how it changed your practice is also a useful quality improvement activity. Hope that helps. Best wishes Connie Posted by CS I agree with Connie. As a Locum and a GP Appraiser, one of the things that I am reassuring many Locums about is the requirements of revalidation. Getting involved in a small aspect of practice quality improvement, for example a QUIPP audit where you could do a few reviews and attend a meeting, plus reflections can demonstrate engagement and understanding of audit, its function and how it can improve practice. I agree that practices are often very welcoming of locums who want to get involved, attend the occasional or regular clinical meeting, contribute significant events or share their learning with the group. You can do your own case reviews of patients by keeping lists of EMIS numbers and reviewing cases with reflections in your own time. Most GPs get some study leave, but as a locum you should factor this into your workload. I account for 6 weeks leave a year which includes 1 week study. In some areas locums make up almost half the workforce, so you are not alone - have you thought about joining forces and working together? |
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Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
posted at 28/6/2012 11:31 AM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 3
First: 28/6/2012 Last: 19/7/2012 |
See if I can come up with 10!
Basically, work as a team collaborating WITH each other, rather than seperately as independent locums effectively in competition with each other. |
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Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
posted at 28/6/2012 3:03 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 233
First: 15/5/2012 Last: 11/6/2013 |
In Response to Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum: See if I can come up with 10! Join a locum group or, better still, a locum chambers, or set one up if one doesn't exist near you. Work really closely with your fellow local locums - meet regularly (I suggest make a minimum attendance (50%?) at group meetings compulsory). Work as a team - if you can organise yourselves into a chambers, rather than competing you can work collaboratively, even to the point of fixing rates if you ALL work exclusively as a 'single undertaking'. Pool a % of your group's income to pay someone (a friend/relative at first?) to manage all your bookings - it's far too much agro to do it all yourself - the time you spend doing it, and all the stress, you'd be much better off ploughing into something more productive like more locum work! Crowd-source all local clinical information from your group's members on to a single wiki-website (try Google Sites) - appoint one or two of you as 'authors' (or 'lead partners') to make sure it's all presentable. Start a group blog so you can keep each other formed of local news etc On this wiki, you'll be able to create team audit (nominate an 'audit lead partner'?) and work together to do prospective audit as you go from practice to practice. Ditto with significant event analysis - make sure these are all reported back through your manager to the individual concerned, supported by the group's lead partner. And similarly with patient feedback, complaints, MSF - can all be done using Google apps at minimum cost. And of course - being a founder of the NASGP http://www.nasgp.org.uk, i'd suggest you join - loads more here on being a locum. Basically, work as a team collaborating WITH each other, rather than seperately as independent locums effectively in competition with each other. Posted by Richard F Very helpful indeed. |
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Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
posted at 11/7/2012 9:59 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 3
First: 11/7/2012 Last: 11/7/2012 |
Fit/sick notes all look the same without any identifiable code. Is it a probity issue to carry 3 or 4 blank notes in your locum bag from a different practice to use if you can't find any during a shift elsewhere? |
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Re: Top tips I need to know as a GP locum
posted at 12/7/2012 2:20 PM BST
on bmj.com
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Posts: 3
First: 28/6/2012 Last: 19/7/2012 |
II don't think it should be a probity issue - particularly if they're blank. However, I make a point of NOT bring fit notes on visits - I feel one is much better able to make the assessment with the patient attending surgery. If they really can't attend surgery, and it really can't wait, one can fill in the form back at surgery. Less to carry!
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