Collaborative development of a standardized order form for orthopaedics

Standardization of treatment parameters is key to facilitating accurate initiation of orthopaedic patient care. A standard "Postop Orthopaedic Orders" form was developed via a collaborative effort among orthopaedic nurses, physicians, and unit secretaries. Its purpose was to improve the completeness of physicians' orders, efficiency of order transcription, and speed initiation of the therapeutic regime.