Episode 29: Performing A Conscious Clinical Exam (SOAP Series #2)

In this episode, we continue with part 2 of the SOAP series: the Objective Exam. Most of us learned explicitly and implicitly from our training that the purpose of the exam is for us (the provider) to learn about the patient's body in order to create an appropriate plan of care. However, we’ve realized that the patient is actually learning about their body during the exam as well! 

Everything that we do during the exam process is teaching the patient something about their body. They are internalizing our language and reactions - for better or worse! So in this episode, we focus on tips to help us center the patient during the exam, to tailor each exam to the individual, and empower them with the exam process. Tune in next week for Assessment tips! 

Highlights from our conversation in Episode 29

• (0:50) Start with enthusiastic and ongoing consent
• (3:17) Paradigm shift: the exam is where BOTH you and the patient learn about their body  
• (5:35) Empowering the patient by being mindful of our language 
• (8:34) Shifting away from pain reproduction to symptom modification
• (14:06) Selecting meaningful and easily reproducible exam measures
• (22:35) Keeping the patient’s goals in mind 
• (23:50) Modifying exam intensity
• (26:50) Asking direct questions and giving succinct instructions 

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Resources from Episode 29

• This is part 1 of a 4 part series. Check out Episode 28: Taking a Patient-Centered History (SOAP Series #1)
• (2:50) Episode 8: Trauma Informed Pelvic Health Practice with Dr. Krystyna Holland, DPT
• (8:16) Episode 12: Our Words Have the Power to Heal and Harm
• (12:51) Episode 10: Grounding Techniques for Patients and Providers
• (19:21, 20:24) Episode 2: The Mountain Metaphor for a Healing Journey
• (19:25) Episode 4: “The Fixer” Role of Healthcare Providers

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