In this new digital age with applications for communication, virtual meetings, and virtual care, we have the challenge of determining the best way to interact. We can only perform synchronous tasks one at a time since they are simultaneous and in real-time. In contrast, we can perform multiple tasks simultaneously with asynchronous work. As a result, we avoid syncing the time constraints that often affect synchronous work.
A phone call is an example of synchronous communication, while a text message is an asynchronous tool. When we consider the challenges of playing phone tag (coordination in getting a call together), we can experience some of the difficulties of synchronous work. Meanwhile, there are clear advantages to getting on a quick call rather than spending time back and forth through SMS. With all these options of communicating and virtual work, how do we leverage synchronous vs. asynchronous work?
Meetings
In-person or Zoom meetings continue to be the most common type of synchronous meetings. Zoom and similar applications have catapulted into large adoption. In orthodontics, we continue to have the option to host meetings via zoom. In our office, it is a great option for meetings across locations and admin meetings where I can join my team from the comfort of my home. And yet hosting zoom sessions can still give you death by meeting by having to sync meeting times and reserve time of the day to be present.
Asynchronous meeting spaces allow for greater productivity when information and meeting of the minds do not need real-time discussion. Setting meeting spaces on Slack or project management applications such as Meistertask or Asana are great ways to leverage asynchronous work and collaboration. Let’s consider why we have meetings and where we want to gain productivity. If the meeting is a space to socialize and brainstorm in real-time, then synchronous work can work. But many times, communicating effectively with asynchronous solutions can increase productivity and bring more focus.
Virtual Care
Another advantage that digital solutions have brought to our orthodontic practices is remote monitoring of treatment. From a pre-screening appointment to monitoring the progress of orthodontic care, it can now be done digitally without distance constraints. For instance, I practice on an island in the Pacific. Before the pandemic, we leveraged virtual care solutions for patients who lived or worked on another island or went a long distance for college or military deployment. Synchronous virtual applications such as Facetime, Skype, Zoom, and Doxy allowed us to schedule a time to talk to patients anywhere in the world.
The challenge was coordinating across timezones and syncing the appointments plagued by no-shows or reschedules. The asynchronous virtual solutions avoid these pitfalls and make virtual care much more scalable. With the assistance of a digital coordinator, we can do multiple visits simultaneously and remove the obstacles of coordinating real-time conversations. Often images are better, and communication is better communicated. Asynchronous virtual care allows us to be more efficient, convenient, and proactive with treatment progress.
As we navigate the new digital tools, we can better coordinate our work, be productive and communicate effectively. Consider the synchronous vs. asynchronous solutions for improving your team and the care you provide.
