A simple intervention improves the recording of vital signs in children presenting to the emergency department.
OBJECTIVE
Vital signs are often not documented in paediatric patients at triage. This study was conducted to find out whether the use of a small, laminated aide memoire and a short teaching session might improve this situation.


METHODS
A preliminary audit of the measurement of vital signs in 106 children aged less than 6 years was carried out in a district general hospital emergency department (ED). A small card illustrating normal values for these was then distributed-this could be attached to staff identity cards. At the same time doctors and nursing staff were given a teaching session on the importance of these measures. The audit was then repeated in a further 106 children.


RESULTS
There was significant improvement in recording of all vital signs with the exception of blood pressure and temperature.


CONCLUSIONS
A low-cost card together with a short period of training offers a useful strategy to improve the rate of documentation of vital signs in children presenting to the ED.
Bird
C
C
Paediatrics Department, Ealing Hospital, Southall, London UB1 3HW, UK. chrisbird@doctors.org.uk
Shea
A
A
Michie
C A
CA
George
G
G
D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D054869:Clinical Audit; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008499:Medical Records; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D055986:Vital Signs