Original Article
Improving Documentation of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) Using a Standardized Electronic Template at Two University-Affiliated Institutions
Abstract
Objectives: Adequate repair is vital to reduce the long-term sequelae of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Sufficient documentation is necessary to reflect the quality of care provided, to guide future management, and to reduce medicolegal liability. With the advent of electronic health records, proper methods of documentation can be more easily disseminated and applied for general use. The objectives of our study were to assess whether documentation of OASIS management is improved by introducing a standardized electronic operative report, determining rates of readmission due to complications, and measuring adherence to practice guidelines.Methods: A pre- and postintervention study was conducted by auditing electronic charts of patients affected by OASIS at two university-affiliated delivery units throughout the 2016 calendar year. Unit A is a safety-net hospital and unit B is private. A standardized electronic template was created in the electronic health records of both units. The primary outcome was the quality of repair documentation, which was quantified using a scale that included all relevant aspects of the repair.
Results: Analyzing both units separately, baseline characteristics including operator training level, episiotomy rate, and operative delivery were similar pre- and postintervention. The quality of documentation measured by the scale score improved significantly postintervention. Proper use of antibiotics and bowel regimen significantly increased after the intervention at both units.
Conclusions: The use of a standardized electronic template for reporting the diagnosis and repair of OASIS improves the thoroughness of documentation and appears to promote the implementation of best practice guidelines.
This content is limited to qualifying members.
Existing members, please login first
If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.
Purchase only this article ($25)
Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.
Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)
Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.
Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)
Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.