What do you do if you're overwhelmed with multiple healthcare projects and responsibilities?

First of all it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. We're living in a very complex and uncertaint world where we are all busy but with great difficult to make things done Acknowledge our limits and seek help when needed is foundamental. In general it's important on regular basis to look to our projects/tasks and reflect on: 1) what we can eliminate 2) what we can delegate 3) what we can automate What's left....make it!

Start by clearly defining what you want to achieve with each project or responsibility. Write down specific, measurable goals that align with your overall objectives. For example, if your goal is to improve patient satisfaction, you might set a goal to reduce wait times in the clinic by 20%.

We think of many ideas that can get us the success / outcomes that we aspire for. First, not everything can happen at once. Believe it to be true. Brutally prioritise your key (maybe top 3) goals for the quarter, and start evaluating available resource (time, money, people) and mapping them against your top 3 goals. Suddenly things may start looking doable! Here's my tested model: A. Critical (P0/P1 items) - Things I need to close ASAP. B. Pipeline (Upcoming) - Things that are due very soon, and C. Icebox (Good to haves / Moonshots) - Things I would want to have going forward Start closing things from A->B->C. Works like a charm!

When faced with numerous healthcare projects and responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed is common. Planning your schedule provides a structured approach to manage these challenges effectively. By breaking down tasks, setting priorities, and allocating time appropriately, you can ensure that important deadlines are met while avoiding burnout. Additionally, scheduling self-care activities allows you to recharge and maintain your well-being amidst the demands of your workload. Overall, planning your schedule is a proactive strategy for navigating the complexities of healthcare responsibilities while safeguarding your mental and physical health.

Once you know your goals, create a detailed schedule that outlines tasks, deadlines, and milestones for each project. Use tools like calendars or project management software to stay organized. For instance, if you have to complete a research paper, break it down into smaller tasks like conducting literature review, collecting data, and writing the manuscript, each with its own deadline.

Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to team members or collaborate with colleagues who have relevant expertise. Delegating not only lightens your workload but also allows others to contribute their skills and ideas. For example, if you're working on a quality improvement project, you could assign data collection to a research assistant while you focus on analyzing the data and implementing interventions.

Reflecting on the suggestions provided by the article here - (1) Eisenhower matrix should be used at the start of the day (Use timeblocking to give yourself limits and structure), (2) Pomodoro should be used to tackle longer tasks throughout the day to preserve your mental resources and allow you to focus, (3) Pareto can be used to reflect on your previous actions and make strategic plans on where your time should be focused. Combined, these strategies make for smoother workflows throughout the day. You can try strategies like timeblocking 2-3 easy tasks at the start of the day to give you momentum to dive into more complex work.

Prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance. Focus on high-priority items first to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For instance, if you have a patient safety initiative and a routine administrative task, prioritize the patient safety initiative as it directly impacts patient outcomes.

Regularly review your progress towards your goals and adjust your plans as needed. Stay flexible and open to changes that may arise during the course of your projects. For example, if you find that a particular strategy isn't yielding the expected results in improving patient outcomes, be willing to pivot and try a different approach.

If overwhelmed with multiple healthcare projects, prioritize self-care: • Set boundaries to prevent burnout. • Practice time management. • Delegate tasks when possible. • Take regular breaks to recharge. • Engage in self-care activities. • Seek support from colleagues or mentors. Remember, self-care is vital for maintaining well-being and effectiveness in your work.