EP 519 ECG Analysis and Documentation in Surgery at UHNM, an Audit of Practice
Tra Nguyen, Paul Ingley, Nicola Collins, Lucy Washbourn Calcultt, Aseem Jindal, Chandra CheruvuAbstract
Aims/Objectives
Anecdotally clear documentation of ECG finding with the surgical division was varied and had scope for improvement. This audit set out to identify whether current practice showed accurate interpretation and actions taken when ECGs were performed on surgical patients.
Methods
In a retrospective audit ECGs across 10 surgical wards were scrutinised for evidence of clinicians’ analysis, documentation and actions (where required). Initially 130 ECGs were analysed with a further 134 in two subsequent cycles. A staff education programme took place in between cycles as well as the introduction of a proforma stamp which was applied to each trace before being presented to a clinician.
Results
The initial cycle showed only 33% of the ECGs were adequately scrutinised and documented with 30% of these ECGs arising from non surgical departments. 52% of the ECGs had documented actions taken. In the second cycle, this rose to 46% clearly documented and 60% had actions taken. In the final cycle, 51% were documented and 43% had actions taken.
Discussion/Conclusion
The introduction of the proforma stamp has helped in to focusing clinicians to complete clear documentation on ECGs within surgery. The proforma has improved the standard of documentation from clinicians and the timely presentation of the ECG to a clinician by healthcare and nursing staff. There is more work to be done however since clearly there are far too many ECGs lacking clear documented evidence of having been seen/scrutinised or acted upon.