Flowcharts in children's notes increase documentation of possible intentional injury

A simple flowchart added to the attendance notes of all injured preschool children increases documentation of possible intentional injury and improves referral rates. In a quality improvement report, Benger and Pierce (p 780) discuss how a two stage audit of 1000 children before and after a reminder flowchart was used resulted in more referrals for further assessment. Records of compatibility of history with injury and consistency of injury increased from less than 2% to more than 70%. The second audit showed an increased general level of awareness and vigilance, even for children whose records did not contain a flowchart.

(Credit: MARAZZI/SPL)

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