Documentation Tips That Save Time Later

Truth bomb! 💥

Nobody goes into administration because they love chasing down missing documentation. Am I right?

But the reality is good documentation habits can save you a tremendous amount of time later.

The key is to take the time to developing the habit of documenting things when they happen, rather than trying to think back to what happened days or weeks later. Likewise, I recommend finding habits that work for you. Everyone is different. The suggestions below will help get the ideas flowing. At the end of the day, if it works for you then you're tee'd up for success.

Here are a few simple habits to consider.

• Complete documentation promptly:  An extra minute jotting notes can save you from a headache down the road.

• Write down specifics rather than vague: Trying to decode what you meant is never a fun thing to do.

• Make sure entries are clear and easy to understand: I recommend asking yourself if a co-worker were to read it, would they know what you were trying to say.

• Follow your facility's established procedures consistently.

• Address missing or incomplete documentation before it becomes a bigger issue. This is crucial because the more time that passes the more of a challenge you're creating.

Keep in mind that good documentation isn't just about having something in a file. More importantly, it is ensuring that you (and your staff) are creating a clear record of the care, communication, and decisions taking place in your facility.

While these few extra minutes may cause you to take time out of a busy moment,  spending that extra time documenting correctly will save you hours of searching, explaining, and correcting later.

Trust me. It will be time well spent!