Effect of a preprinted form on the management of acute asthma in an accident and emergency department.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of a preprinted form on the documentation of clinical data and compliance with the national guidelines for the management of asthma.


METHODS
Prospective audit six months before and after introduction of the form.


RESULTS
Use of the form improved the documentation of past asthma history (69% v 93%, P < 0.001), current treatment (81% v 95%, P < 0.01), predicted peak flow (23% v 75%, P < 0.001), per cent predicted peak flow (1% v 62%, P < 0.001), and respiratory rate (81% v 95%, P = 0.007). Compliance with the British recommendations for treatment improved with use of the form (50% v 89%, P < 0.001) The prescription of steroids on discharge did not improve significantly (26% v 44%, P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The preprinted form resulted in enhanced documentation of data and conformity with current guidelines for the management of asthma.
Robinson
S M
SM
Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, UK.
Harrison
B D
BD
Lambert
M A
MA
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008499:Medical Records; D011446:Prospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom