Sticker Checklist Study Professor Hill’s Team

Introduction  Medical notes and records were originally used as a reminder for doctors about their patient’s state of health. 1 Nowadays, it is vital that any documentation recorded should be made in accordance with the Health Service Executive [HSE] Records Management standards. This is an official document providing clear guidelines to help enfore enhanced safety measures. 2

The Study? A cohort study over eight days. There were two groups; a sticker study group and a control group, each consisting of 5 consultant teams. Based on these teams and their in-patients we were able to analyse data of 198 surgical ward round notes. This totaled to 34 study patients and 53 control patients.

Stickers Used?

How were the wardround notes analysed?  We checked for thirteen variables in the ward round notes.  We divided these variables into four groups; 1.Standard Criterion 2.Health Professional Data 3.Significant Clinical Data 4.Team Data  These variables abide by the HSE guidelines and must be present in any form of medical documentation.  Now for some statistics……

The Results

1. Standard Criterion Stickers (69) Yes No Control (129) Yes No Two Patient Identifiers Dated Timed Signed

Percentage Adherence

2. Health Professional Data Stickers (69) Yes No Control (129) Yes No Name Printed and legible Medical Council No Bleep No

Percentage Adherence

3. Significant Clinical Data Stickers (69) Yes No Control (129) Yes No Management Plan Abnormal Bloods Vitals

Percentage Adherence

4. Consultant Team Data Stickers (69) Yes No Control (129) Yes No Most Senior Clinician Documented Team Name

Percentage Adherence

Average Adherence Percentage We calculated the average adherence percentage by adding Up the 13 variable and dividing it by 1300 and finally multiplying it by 100 :- Control group : = 718 (718/1300) * 100 = 55.2% Sticker group : = 1186 (1186/1300) * 100 = 91.2%

Increase in Adherence to Standards

Conclusion  Based on these results, we would like to conclude that such a system can prove to be not only cost effective, but also a highly organised and efficient way to help adhere to the HSE standards. Overall increasing patient safety while minimising the workload.

Thanks  Any Questions???