Procedure/Patient Log

[cabruen]

In a few weeks I will be starting my intern year, and I am interested in keeping a procedure/case log. I am not talking about daily patient tracking sheets, but an overall log of my residency and the procedures I have done and types of patients I have seen. I know surgery residents are required to keep something like this to track their cases, but is it useful in Emergency Medicine also?

What experiences have others had with something like this? Do you keep it in a notebook or electronic? What kind of information do you track? Does it ultimately prove useful, or just a waste of time.

Thanks for your insights.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[nymbarra]

Disclaimer: I am a BIG DORK.

I've done the small written notes next to pt stickers, then w/ the interesting cases put them into excel form w/ information in the Case Files series format (CC, HPI, Background info on disease, Tx, hospital course). Going electronic also allows you to link to good articles, online texts, etc.

With that said, I don't usually refer to them after the rotation. And for the med students out there, it didn't prepare me that much for the shelfs because they're not in the "choose the best answer" format. I think, though, that the repetitive nature of the process helps me to learn.

I was also thinking about taking quick audio notes (on the PDA, etc) on-the-fly. I like listening when I drive or workout so I could see value in reviewing the interesting cases.

For the residents, how unrealistic is this and how do you guys---especially those in busy county places--make sure you're getting your edumacation's worth?

 

[BatmanMD]

As far as procedures, most residencies will require some form of documentation that these were performed. Whether thats taking a sticker and putting it into a book (prob most common way) or using a website (new innovations) to record these. The RRC requires proof that residents are being properly trained. They also want to see central lines, chest tubes, intubations, medical codes,....

As far as stickers for patients. I usually only keep the interesting ones that I admit. I then check on them the next day, to see if my management was right and to see the final diagnosis. I dont follow up after that. Again, the RRC wants to see some form of documentation that patient follow up is being performed. Whether thats a sticker again, or you just looking it up on a computer, is up to you and your program.

Dont worry about it.. Your program will tell you what they want.😀

 

[deleted109597]

You'll be able to follow up the interesting ones by either looking at their records, or asking your resident colleague/friends how it turned out upstairs.
Yes, you will track your procedures. I had to do it this year, and the very small composition books were almost made for this. They fit a sticker, you can write some pertinents on them, and they easily fit into a pocket.

 

[Jeff698]

Our hospital uses www.new-innov.com (New Innovations). It's required but does what you want.

Take care,
Jeff