The quality of operative notes at a general surgery unit.
OBJECTIVE
With the increasingly litigious nature of medical practice, accurate documentation is critical. This is particularly true for operative procedures, and medical councils have identified this and published guidelines to aid surgeons. However, these remain a frequently cited weakness in their defence in medico-legal cases. This study assessed the accuracy of operative notes in a general surgery unit in order to improve our practice.


METHODS
An audit of 100 consecutive operative notes was performed, and notes were assessed using the Royal College of Surgeons guidelines. The quality of note-taking of trainees was compared with that of consultant surgeons. A series of operation note pro formas was designed in response to the findings.


RESULTS
Of the notes, 66% were completed by trainees. The vast majority of notes had no diagram to demonstrate the surgical findings or illustrate the actions. Specialist surgeons were more likely to describe the actions accurately, but less likely to describe wound closure methods or dressings used. They were also less likely to complete adequate postoperative orders.


CONCLUSIONS
This study identifies key areas of weakness in our operative note-keeping. Pro formas should be introduced and made available for commonly performed procedures, and diagrams should be used wherever possible.
Rogers
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Department of Surgery, Frere Hospital, East London, E Cape. rogersadr@gmail.com
Bunting
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M
Atherstone
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A
D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000592:standards*; D013502:General Surgery / Q000592:standards*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008485:Medical Audit; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards*; D011786:Quality Control; D011787:Quality of Health Care