Write at the house, not at night
Spend the last few minutes of each visit on the note, or do it right after, before you start the vehicle. Memory fades fast between houses.
Use your phone, not a diary
Paper notes have to be written again later, can be lost, and are a privacy risk. Notes written directly into your practice software on the phone are done once and stored safely. See treatment notes.
Plan for weak network
Basements, lifts and some areas have poor network. In Clinidiary, notes save as you type, and if the network drops, the note keeps a copy on the phone and saves when the signal returns, so nothing is lost.
Use a home visit template
A template with headings for home setup, fall risk, family involvement and equipment keeps notes complete and quick. See faster notes.
Never type while riding or driving
Stop the vehicle or finish the note before leaving. No note is worth an accident.
Keep your phone secure
A screen lock, no patient photos in your gallery, and no patient details in personal chats.
Record the extra details
Who was present, consent for treatment, safety concerns, equipment suggested, and messages for the doctor or family.
Notes are one part of running home visits well. See how home visit physios manage their caseload and the home visit kit.
Frequently asked questions
How do home visit physios write notes?
On their phone, directly into practice software, during or right after each visit.
What if there is no internet at the patient's home?
Use software that keeps a copy on the phone and saves when the network returns.
Are paper notes okay?
They work but mean writing twice and carry privacy risk. Digital notes on the same day are safer.