Does an orthopedic ward round pro forma improve inpatient documentation? (December 2021)

Summary

This study in the Journal of Patient Safety aimed to assess the impact of a pro forma that standardises medical record-keeping on ward rounds. The pro forma was developed by analysing notes entered in patient charts and comparing them with standards set out by the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland and England, as well as Medical Council guidelines from the two countries.

The authors found that the pro forma improved compliance of ward round notes when compared with internationally recognised guidelines, with no additional time required during ward rounds.