We're all taking a second look at our charting and documentation strategies as we pivot to virtual to meet the needs of families at a time when home and office visits have to be limited. 

Documenting what happens at a lactation consult is super important for so many reasons, but figuring out just want to say and how to say it can be challenging. 

In this episode, Annie and Leah will explain their approaches to charting and offer you tips and strategies for making this critical task less overwhelming. Whether you’re paperless or love your clipboard and folders, this episode will help you streamline your charting workflow and feel confident in your documentation.

“It didn’t happen unless you write it down”

In this episode, we will cover:

• What is lactation charting? Get a clear, concise idea of what charting should be
• Why do we have to chart our lactation consults? There are important medical and legal reasons for charting
• What are the biggest challenges and time sucks when it comes to charting?
• Charting can get in the way of life outside of your practice
• So, how can we do it better? There are some strategies for making charting more efficient
• What to include and what to leave out? Not everything needs to go into your reports - Learn what should and shouldn’t be represented
• Annie’s Tech Tip: Use voice memos to capture consultation notes that you don’t need to include in your reports
• Leah’s Marketing Tip: Remember that your documentation is a marketing tool for you.

For a downloadable pdf of Charting Shortcuts, click here

This episode is sponsored by the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit. Listen to the episode to find out how you can get a 10% discount.

Links and Resources

• https://paperlesslactation.com/toolkit
• Medical Abbreviations Pamphlet
• Medical Terminology Pamphlet
• Medical Coding Guide
• Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membership
• Have an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

Design Websites:

• Fiverr
• Canva
• Lavender Lactation

Charting Platforms:

• Mobile Lactation Consultant
• Charm
• Jane

Quick Text Captures:

• Phrase Express
• Apple Keyword
• Voicera

Articles Mentioned:

• PBS News Article
• Paperless Lactation Care Plan Tips
• Spend Less Time on Charting
• Choosing a Charting Platform

If you like what you heard today, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and leave us a review on iTunes. 

About Us

Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas.

Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City and the creator of the Lactation Consultant Private Practice Toolkit.

Many thanks to Stephanie Granade for her production assistance, and to Silas Wade for creating our theme music.