305 Effect of COVID 19 on Ward Notes Documentation Standards. (28th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salik, M.; Mir, M.H.; Arafa, M.; Sanjay, P.
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 109(2022)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2022-02-28
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znac039.201
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To assess the effect of COVID 19 on ward notes documentation standards Method: 100 ward notes entries (before COVID, during COVID Peak, and after COVID Peak, 100 each) were evaluated against set ward notes documentation standards derived from the GMC Good Medical Practice document. The results were analysed, and the three data sets were compared to assess any effect of the COVID 19 pandemic on ward notes documentation standards. Results: Individually, clear handwriting and documenting signatures showed a slight decline, and a slight increase was seen in the use of unknown abbreviations during the COVID-19 Peak. However, documentations standards were maintained across other categories and even showed improvement in some standards. Overall compliance showed a small improvement rather than a decline during the COVID 19 Peak. Conclusions: COVID 19 Pandemic has certainly had an effect on every aspect of life globally. The health sector came under significant pressure and saw unprecedented stressful working conditions during the peak of the pandemic. However, even under the unprecedented pressures of COVID 19, we were able to maintain remarkable documentation standards and even showed improvements across various standards. It should be kept in mind that there are limitations to this Audit and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.