There's been some discussion here and on another list about writing dr reports.  No, it seems they're not essential to do as part of our IBLCE requirements.  But my goodness, I couldn't live without them!  Here's why *I* do them:

I want an easy way to write up our consult - an excuse for getting it done.  My reports are always in narrative style, one page with very few exceptions, a summary at the top, and key words/phrases in bold type.  They're the fastest way for *me* to remember what happened!

I want the HCP to realize I know my stuff.  Years and years of dutifully filing reports has given me a fine local reputation, even though I never get a response directly.

I want the HCP to learn a little of that stuff him/herself.  Our HCPs are generally pretty reasonable about thrush treatments, for instance, and I *know* they wouldn't be what they are without the endlessly supplied handouts that often go along with my reports.

I want all her "team" to know what other team members are thinking/doing.  I spot things that they don't know about, and I think it's important to have all that stuff in her file.  On very rare occasions I'll add a post-it note, urging the doc to "read between the lines" on something that I didn't spell out in the report; all my reports are written so that the mother can feel good reading them.

I want to keep the HCP fired up about supporting her.  Supporting *him* makes it easier for him to support *her*.  And hearing about her ongoing efforts reminds him to praise her efforts, as in, "This mother has worked extremely hard; the reward is not only a thriving baby but a lovely relationship," or, "This mother worked very hard to make this happen; she deserves a lot of respect for her efforts."

Diane Wiessinger, MS, IBCLC  Ithaca, NY  USA
www.wiessinger.baka.com

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