Article Text
Abstract
Introduction This is an audit of letters done by various professionals in community paediatric clinic in a district hospital.
Methods Two letters each were selected from all Consultant and Associate Specialist clinics, nurse led enuresis clinic and nurse led constipation clinic. There were a total of 14 letters. These were compared with the Sheffield Assessment Instrument for Letters (SAIL) which is the standard suggested by RCPCH.
Results There was 100% compliance with standard requirement in 14 areas of RCPCH standard. The main deficiency was in writing drug dosages; only 57% letters have doses mentioned. Interestingly, more than one third of letters did not have a problem list. In 21.5% of letters, the documented examination was not appropriate to the problems and questions.
Conclusion After discussion in the departmental audit meeting, the following recommendations were made
SAIL checklist to be circulated among team members so that all are aware of the standards suggested by RCPCH.
A reaudit was planned after 6 months to check compliance.