The schedule that a doctor has may often be hectic and difficult for most people to remember because it tends to change regularly. As the on-call schedule continues to rotate, there may be different doctors available at different times of the day and night. It is for that reason that the on-call schedule for doctors exists. Patients who want to know when a doctor will be available can check the schedule to determine who they would end up speaking to if they were to make the call about their health and medical concerns.
With an on-call schedule, a person will know who they are going to reach ahead of time so that there is not any confusion between speaking to numerous doctors. If the practice is big enough, it is possible for one doctor to take most of the calls for an extended period before switching off with another doctor. When a patient does not have the scheduling information and makes a call to the doctors’ office, they may end up speaking to a doctor they are not very familiar with, which could cause both frustration and disappointment.
There is yet another reason for the important on-call scheduling system. Although doctors are there to help people, they need to have some breaks just like everyone else does. When on-call, they will spend most of their time at the office to assist patients and handle all kinds of medical-related work, which means they do not have any time for themselves to just relax. Once they are no longer on-call, they can head home for some peace and quiet, hang out with their family and friends, and even prepare a tasty meal in their kitchen if they want to.
It would be difficult for any doctor to function properly if he or she never received a break between on-call scheduling. A rested doctor will be able to make better decisions than a doctor who is excessively tired and overworked. Luckily, that does not have to happen because of the on-call scheduling option. Doctors can rotate shifts and take turns, allowing one another to get some rest here and there.
The schedule helps doctors always to remember when they are on-call and when they are not available. As long as they pay attention to it, they will know exactly when they should come into work and when they should stay home for their much-needed break.