Abstract
The purpose of this report is to develop a rational approach to the design of anaesthesia record forms. The history of anaesthesia record forms was reviewed. A logical approach to the design of an anaesthesia record was developed. The theoretical ideal anaesthetic record was contemplated and criteria were developed for the selection of items to be included in or excluded from the record. Principles were outlined which lead to logical organization of information on the form, improved ergonomics of data entry, and ready access to entered information. A desktop publishing system was used to execute quickly numerous form artwork revision cycles and iteratively converge on a complete design. This approach has resulted in the development and production of a new anaesthesia record for our institution. The record was well accepted by our colleagues. The rationale that has been developed is presented in the hope that it will be useful to others in the process of designing anaesthesia records for their institutions.
Résumé
Ce rapport propose une démarche rationelle orientée vers la conception du dossier d’anesthésie. L’historique des dossiers d’anesthésie a été revue et une approche logique élaborée pour la conception d’un modèle. Un dossier théorique idéal a été préparé avec les critères nécessaires à la sélection des items à inclure ou à exclure. Des principes sont décrits pour faciliter sur le dossier l’organisation logique des renseignements, l’amélioration de l’ergonomie pour l’entrée des données et un accès rapide à cette information. Un système d’éditique a été utilisé pour réviser rapidement plusieurs maquettes et progresser vers un modèle complet. Cette approche a permis le développement d’un nouveau dossier d’anesthésie pour notre institution. Ce dossier a été bien accepté par nos collègues. La méthode utilisée est présentée dans l’espoir qu’elle sera utile à ceux qui projettent la conception d’un dossier d’anesthésie pour leur institution.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Sechzer PH. Anesthesia documentation and evaluation. QRB Qual Rev Bul 1981; 7: 28–34.
Lundy JS. Keeping anesthetic records: and what they show. Am J Surg 1924; 38: 16–25.
Beecher HK. The first anesthesia records (Codman, Cushing). Surg Gynecol Obstet 1940; 71: 689–93.
Dripps RD, Eckenhoff JE, Vandam LD (Eds.) Introduction to Anaesthesia — The Principles of Safe Practice, 6th ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 1982: 90.
Wright AJ. Early use of the Cushing-Codman anaesthesia record [Letter]. Anesthesiology 1987; 66: 92.
Maltby JR, Shephard DAE (Eds.). Harold Griffith: his life and legacy. Can J Anaesth 1992; 39: Supplement: 29.
Seed RF, Welsh EA. Anaesthesia records in Great Britain and Ireland. Anaesthesia 1976; 31: 1199–210.
Bembridge M, Bembridge JL. A survey of anaesthetic charts. Anaesthesia 1988; 43: 690–3.
Public Hospitals Act, Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990, c. P.40 and regulations thereunder, Hospital Management Regulations, Revised Regulations of Ontario 1990, regulation 965, section 27(5), formerly Ontario Regulation 518/88.
Guidelines to the Practice of Anaesthesia as recommended by the Canadian Anaesthetists’ Society, revised 1993. Can J Anaesth 1993; 40 Supplement: 9.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and The Ontario Medical Association (OMA). Report of the Anaesthesia Liaison Committee of CPSO and OMA for The Practice of Anaesthesia in Ontario (Draft). 1989: 13.
Epstein BS. Documentation of anesthesia care. In: Peer Review in Anesthesiology. Park Ridge, Illinois: The American Society of Anesthesiologists, 1991; 26.
Anonymous. ASA standards for basic intra-operative monitoring. In: Peer Review in Anesthesiology. Park Ridge, Illinois: The American Society of Anesthesiologists, 1991: 41–2.
Kleper ML. The Illustrated Handbook of Desktop Publishing and Typesetting, 2nd ed. Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Tab Books, 1990: 16–31.
Porozny GHJ. Desktop Publishing Basics and Applications. Toronto: Copp Clark Pitman Ltd., 1993.
Stedman’s Abbreviations, Acronyms & Symbols. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1992.
Steen EB. Bailliere’s Abbreviations in Medicine, 5th ed. Toronto: Bailliere Tindall, 1984.
CPS Abbreviations, Medical and Pharmaceutical.In: Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties. Ottawa: Canadian Pharmaceutical Association.
Sub-Committee of Metric Commission Canada Sector 9.10 Health and Welfare. The SI Manual in Health Care, 2nd ed. Toronto: Ontario Government Bookstore, 1982.
Metric Commission Canada. How to Write SI, 6th ed. Ottawa: Minister of Supply and Services, Canada, 1982.
McQueen MJ. SI Units. A Practical Guide for Health Professionals. Burlington, Ontario: Simole Consultants Ltd., 1982.
Examination Advisory Comittee. Standardized terms, symbols and physiological calculations nomenclature and normal values.In: Examination Information Manual, Canadian Board of Respiratory Care Inc., 5th ed. 1994
Adobe POSTSCRIPT® language Type 1 outline font software, Adobe Systems Incorporated, 1585 Charleston Road, POB 7900, Mountain View, California, USA 94039-7900.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Fisher, J.A., Bromberg, I.L. & Eisen, L.B. On the design of anaesthesia record forms. Can J Anaesth 41, 973–983 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03010941
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03010941