Purpose

Procedure notes provide a contemporaneous record of a clinical procedure, including consent, technique, findings and post-procedure instructions. They are medico-legally important.

Key Components

  • Procedure name and indication
  • Consent documented
  • Operator and assistant
  • Anaesthesia / analgesia used
  • Patient position
  • Technique and approach
  • Findings
  • Specimens taken
  • Complications encountered
  • Post-procedure instructions
  • Follow-up plan

Documentation Tips

  • Document consent clearly — written or verbal
  • Note the specific technique used step by step
  • Record any unexpected findings or deviations from plan
  • Document immediate post-procedure status
  • Record specimen labels and destination
Reminder: Always date, time and sign all clinical entries. Include your name and GMC/NMC number.
Template
PROCEDURE NOTE
=====================================
DATE: ___________  TIME: ___________
OPERATOR: _____________________________
ASSISTANT: ____________________________
LOCATION: _____________________________

PATIENT: ______________________________
DOB: _____________  NHS No: ____________

PROCEDURE: ____________________________
INDICATION: ___________________________

CONSENT: Written / Verbal / Emergency
Risks discussed: Yes / No

ANAESTHESIA / ANALGESIA:
Type: _________________________________
Drug / Dose: __________________________

PATIENT POSITION: _____________________

TECHNIQUE:
[Step by step description of procedure]

FINDINGS:
[What was found during the procedure]

SPECIMENS:
Specimen 1: ___________________________  sent to: ___
Specimen 2: ___________________________  sent to: ___

COMPLICATIONS: None / [describe]

ESTIMATED BLOOD LOSS: _________________

POST-PROCEDURE STATUS:
[Patient condition immediately post procedure]

INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
2.

FOLLOW-UP: ____________________________

SIGNATURE: ____________  DATE: _________
NAME (print): __________________________
GMC/NMC No: ___________________________