Interview question help

[Goryrilmore]

How would you prioritise the following tasks - the phone is ringing with a paramedic trying to get through to you, a prescription needs faxing to a pharmacy for a patient, a patient is waiting to be booked into an urgent appointment.

I have an interview on Monday and trying to prepare. I do know that this question will be asked because I sneakily saw the paper with the interview questions on (it’s a job within the same company I work at). I only managed to see this question though and I’m pretty sure these were the options, although might not be word for word. What would you say? I’m thinking paramedic, booking appointment and then prescription. But not entirely sure if that’s right!

In this scenario, the priority should be determined by the urgency and potential impact on patient care:

1. Answer the phone call from the paramaedic: paramedics typically call in emergency situations or to get crucial information, so their call should be prioritised immediately. Answering their call could be a matter of urgent patient safety or coordination for critical care.
2. Book the urgent appointment for the patient: Once the paramedic's call is addressed, booking the patient into an urgent appointment should be the next priority. The patient is already present and needs timely care.
3. Fax the prescription: After handling the paramedic’s call and booking the urgent appointment, you can then focus on faxing the prescription to the pharmacy. While important, it is not as time-sensitive as the first two tasks.

This prioritisation ensures that you address the most immediate, potentially life-saving needs first, while still attending to all tasks in a timely manner. Although who on earth faxes a prescription in this day and age??!!!

Thank you so much! I did think this would be the right order but wasn’t 100% sure, thanks for such a detailed response, it’s so helpful

I’d agree with the above- paramedic had to be right now, appointment could be taken so needs to be next, prescription can be done then. Best of luck op

You're welcome! :)

And good luck with the interview @Goryrilmore

Agree it’s all about prioritising. Although surely no one still uses faxes due to lack of confidentiality.