Thread by @dr_mattmorgan

Do you do on-calls from home? Here are my top tips for being non-resident. Share yours at the end. #oncall🧵

I previous worked as a critical care consultant with in-house cover 24/7. Being on-call from home has taken some adaption.

I now use the "six P's" for the things I definitely want to be called about:

Pregnant patients
Paediatric patients
Palliative patients (worried they are going to die)
Perplexing patients (uncertain diagnosis)
Political issues
Practical help

I ask the in-house staff "If you think about calling me for anything, then please call me. I'm paid to be woken up."

Being woken up at 3am and thinking clearly is hard. To help structure this, at the end of a conversation I ask:

"Would it be helpful if I come in?"

Asking this explicity hopefully breaks down any barriers. I phrase it as "would be helpful" rather than "do you want me to come in".

"Please can you repeat back our plan?"

This checks understanding and also gives me a second chance to check the plan is the best one.

"Are there are other problems on the unit?"

This may save another phone call later on.

I use a special "On-call" focus mode on my iPhone. This filters out any sounds from unwanted notifications but allows calls to come through. Here is how you make this special focus on the iPhone:

Hope this helps! Please add your tips below.

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