How to Use This Template

This universal template provides a consistent structure for clinical documentation across all settings. Adapt it to your specialty — add, remove or rename sections as required by your clinical context.

Structure Explained

  • Header: Patient identifiers, date, time, clinician
  • Subjective: History from patient/informant
  • Objective: Examination, observations, investigations
  • Assessment: Clinical impression, differential
  • Plan: Management, follow-up, escalation
  • Footer: Signature, name, GMC/NMC number

Adapting for Your Setting

  • Add specialty-specific examination sections as needed
  • Include relevant scoring systems (NEWS, GCS, PEWS etc.)
  • Add consent section for procedures
  • Include safeguarding section for paediatric notes
  • Use problem-oriented format for complex multimorbidity
Universal Template
CLINICAL NOTE
=====================================
DATE: ___________  TIME: ___________
CLINICIAN: _____________________________
GRADE: ________________________________
LOCATION: _____________________________

PATIENT: ______________________________
DOB: _____________  NHS No: ____________
[or other identifier]

REASON FOR ENTRY:
[Ward round / Review / Procedure / Review request]

—— SUBJECTIVE ——————————————————————
Presenting complaint:
[Main issue today]

History:
[Relevant history — onset, duration, character,
associated symptoms, relevant background]

—— OBJECTIVE ——————————————————————
Vital signs:
HR: ___  BP: ___/___  RR: ___
Temp: ___  SpO2: ___  BM: ___
Score: ___

Examination:
[Relevant clinical findings]

Investigations reviewed:
[Results discussed]

—— ASSESSMENT ——————————————————————
[Clinical impression / diagnosis / differential]

—— PLAN ————————————————————————————
1.
2.
3.

Escalation plan: ______________________
Follow-up: ____________________________

—— FOOTER —————————————————————————
SIGNATURE: ____________  DATE: _________
NAME (print): __________________________
GRADE: ________________________________
GMC/NMC No: ___________________________