Verum writes: Get yourself a PDP PDQ

Last month in this column, I discussed the potential for optical professionals to adopt the concept of coaching, in order to improve their clinical skills and their interaction with patients. Feedback I received regarding the idea was mostly positive, however some highlighted that it would be difficult to get someone ‘who knew what they were doing’ to comment on what they are observing. In response, surely it would be relatively easy to use a colleague, relation, member of the public to observe and comment? It is then up to us to listen and understand their comments on what they have seen or heard. If something we are doing seems strange to them, then it is very likely that it will be odd to others? However, these logistical reasons (excuses?), seem to mask what I perceive to be the real reason that there is, understandably, a nervousness to being observed and concern that we may be considered to be doing something wrongly. This leads us to not be as open to feedback as perhaps we should be. My answer to anyone who is apprehensive is to remind them that in order to get open and honest coaching and feedback, it should be done in an environment where one can be confident that, ‘what is said on tour, stays on tour.’