Training Your Staff on Anorectal Manometry: Tips for Effective Adoption

Introduction

Anorectal manometry (ARM) is a procedure taught in medical school, but only briefly covered in many cases. The procedure effectively evaluates the function of the anal sphincters and rectum. This leads to improved understanding and diagnoses of motility disorders, such as fecal incontinence, constipation, dyssynergia, and other pelvic floor dysfunctions. By offering this procedure, clinicians can enhance the patient experience and boost their income. One obstacle private clinics face is being unsure if they have the staff to perform the procedure, and if they do, they are unsure how to train them. This article helps clinicians identify potential staff and learn the best ways to train them on using a system like mcompass® to do the ARM procedure.

Importance of Comprehensive Training

Training is crucial for a successful diagnostic test and a positive patient experience, just like any other medical procedure. Failure to perform the ARM procedure correctly could lead to inaccurate diagnosis, discomfort, and unnecessary procedures for the patient. But when the staff understands the procedure and is well-trained, ARM can greatly improve patient care and clinic efficiency. For example, a well-trained Physician’s Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) can complete the procedure in as little as 15 minutes using a simple and easy-to-use system like mcompass®. This makes patients more comfortable and helps the clinic run smoother, creating a better experience for everyone.

The Impact of the Right System

Private clinics might also struggle with the expense of buying the required medical equipment for the ARM procedure. Many systems are expensive and require dedicated rooms within the clinic. These systems may also require a specialist or physician to perform the procedure because of their complexity. Reduced efficiency and increased costs then become a major concern.

However, these issues have solutions. Choosing a portable and user-friendly system eliminates the need for dedicated rooms and allows different medical professionals to conduct the exam. This improves efficiency and saves time for both the clinic and the patient. One example of this is the mcompass® portable manometry system. With a lower cost than most other manometry systems, it breaks down the barrier to entry for private clinics. The portable design and easy-to-use reporting features make it easier for clinic staff to provide support, not just the physician. The process for training also becomes more efficient and less time consuming.

Steps for Effective Training

Thus far, we’ve discussed why ARM is useful, why training is vital, and the impact of choosing the right system. What is the best way once you’ve incorporated ARM into your clinic to train your staff? Depending on the system you choose, you may receive hands-on training from the manufacturer (as would be the case with mcompass®). They may provide you with additional resources as well. Below outlines an example of a comprehensive training program.

Training Program Example:

1. Receive a product demonstration and training with the manufacturer.

   1. Ensure all staff who will perform this procedure are available and engaged during the training. Encourage medical staff to ask questions during the training.

   2. Allow the representative to help you set up your system for the first time. Ask questions and take notes to avoid future problems.

2. Read through the instruction manuals provided with your system.

   1. The instruction manual addresses many of your questions. Quality manuals will have an index, so you can find the answers to your questions quickly.

3. Create your own test scenarios.

   1. Allow your staff to practice setting up the system and preparing the procedure.

4. Distribute Support Contact Information

   1. Make sure all professionals on your team can reach out to technical support for help with updating software or technical questions.

5. Adopt Feedback + Continuous Education

   1. Offer training opportunities for staff to brush up on skills and ask questions.

   2. Distribute materials from the manufacturer to help staff learn about the process and address patient inquiries.

   3. Enable medical professionals to provide feedback on their experiences and suggest improvements for the patient experience or the physician’s experience.

Conclusion

While ARM proves useful in diagnosing functional motility issues in patients, medical schools only briefly cover this procedure. While many clinicians could provide this procedure in their clinics, they often don’t because of cost, lack of staff, or uncertainty about training. But, with the proper training and a simple system, private clinics can keep their patients in-house, improve patient care and increase clinic revenue. To learn more about ARM and how it can impact your clinic, download our free e-guide or contact us today.