Intrauterine device insertions: setting our standards.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the documentation for intrauterine device (IUD) insertions was satisfactory and to agree minimum standards for practice.


METHODS
A list was drawn up with minimum standards for documentation in the case notes. These were agreed at the clinical audit meeting. A retrospective analysis of case notes was done and a list completed for each IUD insertion.


METHODS
IUD fittings at all the Abacus clinics from 1 September 1999 to 31 October 1999.


RESULTS
Of the 232 IUD insertions, the gold standard for documentation was met in 20%, however documentation of essential criteria was met 93% and all criteria 83% of the time. Each doctor received individual, confidential, comparative feedback.


CONCLUSIONS
We were able to agree a minimum standard for documentation to enhance adequate counselling, safe insertion, communication with colleagues and risk management.
Kasliwal
Asha P
AP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Upton, Wirral, UK. pradipasha@hotmail.com
Webb
Anne M C
AM
D003142:Communication; D003376:Counseling / Q000592:standards; D004282:Documentation; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007433:Intrauterine Device Expulsion; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000592:standards*; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies