Attention to Detail

In health care, details matter.  And, as a caregiver, you have hundreds of details to be aware of on any given day.  You must be aware of all the details of your employer’s policies and procedures, each individual client’s plan of care, your client’s health status and any abnormal observations, and each client’s personal preferences, abilities, and needs—and you must accurately document all the details of your client's health and the care you gave (because the client’s chart is a legal document).  Enhancing your attention to detail requires concentration and memory!

WHAT CAN KEEP YOU FROM FOCUSING ON DETAILS?

• Multitasking.  Sometimes multitasking is unavoidable. But you don't have to do it all day long!  When you concentrate fully on one task at a time, you are less likely to miss important details (that force you to start over) and less likely to make dangerous mistakes.
• RUSHING.  You have a lot to do!  And, you have to do it all before the end of your workday. Unfortunately, rushing through tasks can cause you to miss important details.   

TIPS FOR ENHANCING YOUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL

• Attention to detail starts with the input you receive from your senses.   However, your senses can be easily overloaded.  That’s why it’s important to develop your “selective attention.”  Selective attention is when you take control of your brain and block out the sensory input that is just “noise” and zero in on the input that matters.
• The best way to make sure you catch every important detail about a client while you are providing care is to come up with a “system.”  In other words, create your own “mental checklist” of things you need to observe.  Then, go through that same checklist with every client until it becomes a habit.
• You can take steps to improve your concentration and memory.  This can help enhance your attention to detail.  Just remember, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan!  Keep your “brain” in your pocket and make notes as you go along.  That way, you’ll be sure to include all the details of your client care in your documentation.
• Before you document anything, always double-check to make sure you are in the right chart.  Remember, the chart is a legal document that the rest of the healthcare team relies on to get information about the client’s health status. 
• Ultimately, attention to detail lies in your being knowledgeable about your job and your clients—and in being careful and thoughtful in everything you observe and document.