title: System engineering approach to documentation: an evaluation of the documentation process in a gastroenterology laboratory.
abstract: Documentation processes are an indispensible part of patient care. Timely access to complete and accurate documentation is crucial to patient safety. However, there is no sufficient tool to help health care professionals effectively manage documentation processes. In this study, we developed an evaluation methodology, including a documentation matrix, a documentation process flow diagram, and a document value tool, to analyze the necessity and redundancy of the documentation processes. We applied this methodology in a gastrointestinal lab and improved the transparency of the documentation processes among providers.
authors.affiliation: Office of Patient Safety, Baylor Health Care System, 8080 N. Central Expressway, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75206, USA.
authors.forename: Beilei
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Youngblood
authors.forename: Gerald D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ramsay
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Xiao
mesh_terms: D003938:Diagnostic Techniques, Digestive System; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D005791:Patient Care; D061214:Patient Safety