Pocket-size self-inking rubber stamps improve legibility of case notes

Medford, Andrew RL MRCP
France, Anthony J FRCPEd

Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Specialist Registrar in Respiratory Medicine, Lung Research Group, University of Bristol, UK
Consultant Physician in Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, UK

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

None.

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE

Dr ARL Medford, Lung Research Group, Division of Medicine, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Westburyon-Trym, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK. Tel: +44 (0)117 959 5348; fax: +44 (0)117 959 5018; email: [email protected]

Received 22 September 2003

Accepted 18 November 2003

Quality in Primary Care 12(2):p 147-149, 2004.

Doctors are notorious for poor handwriting. This has significant adverse effects on clinical standards. We report a pilot study using a pocket-size self-inking rubber stamp assessing its effect on legibility of case note entries. The stamps significantly improved record keeping. Potential advantages and applications are discussed in the context of clinical governance.