FOCUS CHARTING MODEL: EFFECT ON NURSING STAFF'S DOCUMENTATION SKILLS IN DIFFERENT MATERNITY HOSPITALS

Abstract

Background: The importance of accurate timely documentation for mothers' who are very ill can significantly reduce the risk of misinterpretation related to poor communication. There is no means to confirm the provided care without complete documentation. For this trained nurses can properly understand the methods of documentation. Focus charting considers one of the models that improve the quality of nursing care.

Aim: Study aimed to (1) Identify the most common nursing documentation errors. (2) Assess the effectiveness of applying the DAR model. (3) Determine the factors that hinder nurses for better documentation skills.

Design: A quasi-experimental research design.

Setting: The study was carried out at El-Fayoum Maternity unit in three hospitals.

Sample: Convenience sample technique was used. The total numbers was 88 nurses; three patients' records were audited for each nurse.

Tool: Three data collection tool were used.

Results: there was a high statistical significant difference p<0.0001 in the mean scores during the different periods of the study. Lack of information and practice about important aspect of documentation skills and performing non-nursing activities was the most important determining factors.

Conclusion: Nurses' documentation skills were improved after program implementation.

Recommendation: On-job training and follow up strategy should be implemented.