Charting errors in a teaching hospital
Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Savithiri Ratnapalan1, Kristen Brown, Peter Cieslak
1Division of Emergency Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. savithiri.ratnapalan@sickkids.ca
Objective:
The objective of this study was to assess charting errors by junior trainees in the emergency department at the beginning of the academic year and to evaluate the effect of audits and reminders in reducing charting errors in July.
Methods:
Medical records from June and July 2006 were reviewed to identify incomplete documentations (charting errors) in 5 areas. The audit was repeated in July 2007 after sample charts were displayed, and reminders were sent.
Results:
There were 129 patient records completed by 12 trainees in June 2006 and 122 by 11 trainees in July 2006. The mean charting error rate for July (24%) was significantly higher than that in June (17%) (P = 0.0041). The mean charting error rate reduced to 14% after the intervention in July 2007.
Conclusions:
There is a significant increase in charting errors by new trainees in July compared with June. A simple intervention of reminders and alerts significantly reduced charting errors in July.
Related Concept Videos
Guidelines and Strategies for Safe Computer Charting
Maintain Confidentiality and Security:
Errors occurring during blood pressure monitoring
Several factors...
Interpreting Run Charts
Errors in Taping
Documentation of Nursing Diagnosis
In some settings, data-driven computerized decision support systems are in place, allowing for more accurate nursing diagnoses. The database within one of these systems includes diagnostic labels defining characteristics, activities, and indicators for nursing. A nurse enters assessment...
Methods of Documentation V: CBE
In CBE, healthcare professionals establish predefined standards of practice that define what constitutes...