Write at the house, not at night
Spend the last few minutes of each visit on the note, or straight after in the car before you drive. Memory fades fast between houses.
Use a phone or tablet, not paper
Paper notes have to be typed up later, can be lost, and are a privacy risk in a car. Notes written straight into your practice software on a phone or tablet are done once and stored securely. See treatment notes.
Plan for patchy signal
Country roads and apartment basements drop signal. In Clinidiary, notes save as you type, and if the connection drops, the note keeps a copy on the device and saves when you are back in range, so nothing is lost.
Templates for home visits
A home visit template with headings for home environment, falls risk, equipment and carer involvement keeps notes complete and fast. See faster notes.
Never drive and type
Pull over or finish the note before you leave. No note is worth a crash.
Keep devices secure
A passcode on the phone, automatic screen lock, and no patient details in text messages or photos stored in your camera roll.
Record the extras
Who was present, consent for treatment, any safety concerns, equipment you recommended, and messages for the GP or family.
Notes are one part of running a mobile caseload well. See how mobile physios manage their caseload and the mobile physio's kit.
Frequently asked questions
How do mobile physios write notes?
On a phone or tablet straight into their practice software, during or right after each visit.
What if there is no internet at a home visit?
Use software that keeps a copy on the device and saves when the connection returns.
Are paper notes okay for home visits?
They work but add double handling and privacy risk. Digital notes written on the day are safer.