Key result
The eCARE template is linked to ~33% fewer postoperative complications and shorter stays versus standard notes.
Why the study?
Ward rounds are vital clinical processes, but thoracic surgery ward round documentation needed comparison against locally agreed standards to design a template improving detail, uniformity, and patient care.
Does a standardized electronic ward round template with closed-ended questions improve clinical documentation and patient outcomes in thoracic surgery inpatients?
Population
Initially 199 thoracic surgery ward round notes reviewed
Comparison
eCARE template with closed-ended questions vs standard ward round documentation
Design
Retrospective and prospective clinical audit across three auditing periods
Authors
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May support structured templates in thoracic surgery; leaves open need for RCTs before practice change.
Observational (n=399)
No
Does a standardized electronic ward round template with closed-ended questions improve clinical documentation and patient outcomes in thoracic surgery inpatients?
Absolute Event Rate: 21.9% vs 32.6%
p-value: p=0.03
Implementing a standardized, closed-ended electronic ward round template in thoracic surgery significantly improves clinical documentation, reduces complications, and shortens length of stay.
Boyle et al. (2023) conducted an observational in Thoracic surgery inpatients (n=399). eCARE structured electronic ward round template vs. Standard open-ended ward round notes was evaluated on Complication rates (p=0.03). Implementation of the eCARE structured electronic ward round template significantly reduced postoperative complication rates from 32.6% to 21.9% (p=0.03) and decreased median length of stay.
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