Patient Management Plans and Handover

It is essential to ensure clarity and efficiency in our management plans and handover practices. The expectation is that a clear management plan is established at the end of initial consultation; set a timeframe for review after treatment or medication administration. This could involve either discharge or admission if the patient fails to improve. Repeated reviews without a defined endpoint are not conducive to efficient ED practice.

It is reasonable to expect a disposition plan within 2-3 hours after initial consultation and certainly within 5-6 hours. Leaving loose ends for colleagues to address should be the exception rather than the norm.

CT report delays should not be used as an excuse for no decision. Radiology is only a short walk away and our radiologists are always happy to provide a verbal report.

If the patient is handed over as an admitted patient, please ensure your medical notes, medication charts etc are properly completed.