3.5. Effective note-taking (Writing)
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the importance of effective note-taking in healthcare settings.
- Identify and apply different note-taking methods to capture key information.
- Practice note-taking skills during simulated patient consultations and training sessions.
- Reflect on how note-taking can enhance communication and performance as CMAs.
Part 1: Warm-Up
Why is Note-Taking Important?
- Write down why you think note-taking is important for CMAs.
- Share your thoughts with the class. Write down one reason shared by a classmate:
Key points to remember about note-taking in healthcare:
- Improves retention of important information.
- Captures critical details for future reference.
- Aids communication with team members and ensures continuity of care.
Part 2: Note-Taking Methods
Cornell Method: Divide your page into three sections: a narrow left column for keywords or questions, a wider right column for notes, and a bottom section for a summary.
Advantages: Helps organize information and makes reviewing easier.
Best for: Patient consultations or lectures.
Outline Method: Use bullet points or numbers to create a structured hierarchy of main ideas and supporting details.
Advantages: Easy to follow and great for organizing complex information.
Best for: Training sessions or presentations.
Mapping Method: Create a visual diagram with the main idea in the center and related ideas branching out.
Advantages: Helps visualize relationships between concepts.
Best for: Brainstorming or understanding processes.
Choose Your Method
- Review the three note-taking methods above.
- Write down which method you think would work best for you and why:
Part 3: Listening for key information
While watching, take notes using one of the methods discussed earlier. Focus on capturing the following details:
- Patient’s name and age
- Chief complaint
- Relevant medical history
- Recommended actions or follow-up steps
After the video, pair up with a classmate to compare your notes.
Discuss:
- What details did you capture?
- Were there any differences in your approaches?
- Write down one thing you learned from your partner’s notes:
Your Answer: ____________________________________________
Part 4: Taking notes from Lecture
Taking Notes During a Training Session
Your instructor will deliver a short presentation on a healthcare topic (e.g., how to use a blood pressure monitor).
Take structured notes using one of the methods discussed earlier. Focus on:
- Main ideas
- Supporting details
- New vocabulary
After the session, review your notes and highlight the most important points.
Share your notes with a partner or small group. Discuss:
- What method you used and why.
- How effective your notes were in capturing the key information.
Reflection and Wrap-Up
- What note-taking method did you find most helpful? Why?
- How do you plan to apply these note-taking skills in your clinical practice or future training?
