How to Document Pretty Much Anything
A well maintained record or log is an invaluable tool. It provides an excellent launching pad for analysis of success and failure in nearly every avenue of life. This is particularly true when crisis situations arise.
The trick to good documentation is knowing what is pertinent to record. Good documentation takes practice and your particular format will need time to evolve to meet your needs.
However, there are a few guidelines you should consider.
1. Decide which instances require full documentation.
-many occurrences need only be noted in your daily log or chart
-variances from routine policies and procedures probably require an in depth incident report
2. Be Prompt.
-delays in documenting incidents allow our memories to fog and our imaginations to color events
-significant incidents may require the view point and documentation of more than one individual
3. Fact Ladder.
-address the who, what, when, where, why and how in chronological order
-remember to include precipitating factors and other items you may feel relevant.
4. Avoid Conjecture.
-stick as close to the play by play account as you can. This is not the time to expound on your interpretation of the feelings and motivating factors in the psyche of others
5. Be Brief.
-include facts names, dates and times
-do a rough draft first
6. Maintain your documentation.
-keep your records on hand for the debriefing process