There are many variables and specializations within the medical health community; from government, private, non-profit, research and development groups. Therefore by clarifying the disciplines one must address all the specialization to explain the complexity of working in this field. The Consultant must specialize and understand different standards. Below you will find some common questions asked about Medical Consultants. Also please refer to the articles in the Medical Consultant section for further information in each field of this sector. Frequently asked question are the best ways of learning. With FAQ one can easily know what, who, where, why, and when.
What is Medical Consulting?
Medical consulting is the sector of consulting in which the consultant advises and gives the recommendations for healthier progress. There are many specialization, below we discuss 3 of them:
Clinical Flow Analysis Consultant-
Clinical flow analysis is very systematic, rational method of planning and providing the care and documents to enhance the flow of any hospital. As a Clinical Flow analysis Consultant their time is spent assessing which involve things like gathering data, validating that data, then organizing it per hospital procedures and protocol.
- It helps coordinate the care given by several medical staff.
- It prevents the client from having to repeat information already given.
- It promotes accuracy in the provision of health care.
- It helps health care professional make the best use of their time by avoiding overlapping of activities.
Consultants in this sector will use their experience in research as a tool. Once the health market grew, different approaches were taken in order to use the variables at hand. For example a Compliance Department will investigate why some people comply with therapeutic regimens and others do not. As the understanding of the problem grew it was time to help clients comply with therapeutic regimens.
- The first step they took was to identify noncompliance.
- The second was to objectively recognize the client’s refusal while asserting and demonstrating concerns.
- Encouraged healthy behaviors through positive reinforcement.
- Establish why the client is not following the regimen.
- Use aids to reinforce teaching.
- Establish a therapeutic relationship of freedom, mutual understanding, and mutual responsibility. This will establish skills sets the client will have and control over their health.
A hospital Quality Assurance Consultant is responsible for technical and logistical compliance of medical staff with medical equipment. Updating medical staff on using the equipment properly, introducing new equipment or addendum to old ones are a few of the function expected from the Quality Assurance Consultant. Hospitals will generally have special personnel or department handling these functions daily. The Consultants will work closely with the staff by offering, assisting and training all hospital personnel that will be handling this equipment.
Another sector of this growing field is in the Biotechnical sector. For example pharmaceutical companies seek qualified Quality Assurance Consultants that will advise objectively the legalities or requirements needed in order to launch a new product or drug into the market. Knowledge of government entities such as the FDA, along with stringent state local and federal guidelines is a few of the qualities the Consultant must posses. Within the medical arena, a field particularly subject to a vast array of litigation, a Quality Assurance Consultants plays perhaps a more pivotal role than in other types of businesses. This can be attributed to the litigation and malpractices that are directly related to the companies involved.
What credentials are needed?
Most Consultants in this sector have had previous health related jobs. Whether as an RN, Public Health or Rehab Specialist these fields will give the individual a basic understanding of what is required. Therefore they will be responsible for, Health Appraisal Wellness Assessment, life-style, behavior change at the worksite, Wellness Programs and Environmental Control Programs. Therefore, “higher the degree, then the higher the income” is the general rule in the medical sector.
