How long have you been practicing?
I set up in private practice in 2000, after a short hospital career.
In 2021, after the lockdown, I relocated to practice in a mixed mode, with three days of private consultations in a facility. Since 2023, I have also had the chance to work with an Advanced Practice Nurse.
What were the main points of friction in your daily routine?
During consultations, tension often arose from the lack of available medical data. Complex files were difficult to synthesize in a limited time, and communication was challenging, particularly due to the patient's age. Taking down the medical history could take a considerable amount of time because of a lack of coordination from some doctors or involvement from certain patients. They arrive for a "cardio check-up" empty-handed. In fact, my assistant nicknamed them the HIPs: Hands In the Pockets.
We sometimes receive a non-summarised extract from the doctor's medical software, containing endless lists of largely useless information or treatments that are no longer up to date.
The most difficult part of the daily routine is getting a reliable list of the treatments the patient is actually taking. We often hear: "Always the same ones... except the little white one..."
How do you use Aldebaran on a daily basis?
Before each consultation, I go through the questionnaire. Patients who have filled it out are generally more involved: then it is just a matter of confirming and clarifying their answers. This allows me to be more direct and to complete my questions.
The discussion is more relaxed. And I lower my mental load.
How does this help you today in your organisation or consultations?
Nothing is forgotten regarding sleep, activities, nutrition or addictions once the questionnaires are completed.
I can better anticipate complementary exams. I also have a complete overview and summary of the patients who were seen by the IPA before me.
What results have you observed since using Aldebaran?
I don't have figures, but subjectively the atmosphere is better.
My assistant, who downloads and integrates the questionnaires, also appreciates having a first glimpse of the reason for consultation, rather than discovering it at the moment of entering the report. She is thus more involved and participates in patient education.
What feedback do you get from your patients?
Those who fill out the questionnaire find it smooth. They also appreciate receiving a summary that they can keep.
