Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork!

I've learned over my 18 yrs as a therapist that it helps to write as I go.  Otherwise I am spending a lot of time doing the paperwork at the end of the day.  During the evaluation I am writing the eval information and the goals.  If I have a laptop for my job, then I am typing as I talk to the patient.  I explain to them that I am paying attention and input the information as I complete sections of the eval.  I hope that helps a little.

Thank you. I certainly hope that it does!

V

I've been a PT for more than 10 years now and yes the documentation is demanding more and more of our time.  It's important to be concise with notes and understand what is important information for your setting, i.e. OP requires daily notes that document progress, pain rating, change of status, etc.  This is something your CI and other PTs can help you with.  Also, this is were the experience of being a PT in different settings helps.  I traveled for 5 years and was confronted with learning new systems and new documentation every 3-6 months.  One location sheduled a patient every 45 min with no time allowed for paperwork.  At first I didn't see how it was possible to do without OT, but I made adjustments and prayed for cancelations.  It certainly can be challenging and overwhelming there is no doubt.  But you find a way to integrate the documentation portion into treatment time and as an experienced therapist it's just easier.