title: Optimizing knee arthroscopy documentation using a new template.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of the study was to assess the quality of documentation of knee arthroscopy and evaluate the implementation of a novel operative template.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 34-point assessment was undertaken based on published national guidelines. A retrospective study of 50 operative notes of patients (group A) undergoing knee arthroscopy was completed. A new operative note template was devised to include important criteria and assessed in 49 patients (group B) for its efficacy in providing appropriately detailed findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group A was lacking the minimum essential documentation standards expected. Some essential criteria for arthroscopic procedures were as low as 4%. Group B showed a statistically significant increase (P<0.001) in documentation accuracy throughout the essential criteria compared to the findings in group A.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The authors conclude that the use of an evidence-based operative template for knee arthroscopy significantly improves the quality and accuracy of documentation compared to conventional free-hand operative notes.
authors.affiliation: Core Surgical Trainee in the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University College London Hospital, London NW1 2BU.
authors.forename: Khalid
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Al-Dadah
authors.affiliation: Specialist Registrar in the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield.
authors.forename: Owain
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.affiliation: Consultant in the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Chesterfield.
authors.forename: Fazal
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ali
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000592:standards*; D004282:Documentation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies