Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage Shalini Minoli Dissanayaka¹, MHSM Hassan¹, SR Bopitiya¹, RJMKA Jayasundara¹, KAHS Jayasooriya²
1- Department of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
2- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Corresponding Author:
Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage Shalini Minoli Dissanayaka (
shali.d.mino@gmail.com)
Abstract Body
Introduction: Complete and structured paediatric admission clerking is essential for accurate diagnosis, patient safety , continuity of care, and medico-legal protection. Informal observations at Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Kalutara revealed variability and incomplete documentation in admission records, particularly regarding growth parameters, blood pressure documentation and differential diagnosis and problem list documentation.
Objectives: To improve the completeness of paediatric admission clerking from baseline to ≥90% compliance within three months.
Methods: A clinical audit was conducted over three months from November 2025 to January 2026. A 21-item clerking checklist was developed, including history , examination (with ENT examination), growth parameters and centiles, blood pressure and centiles, diagnosis, management plan, and clinician identification details. Baseline data were collected from 30 consecutive admissions. Interventions included introduction of a standardized clerking proforma, awareness sessions for House Officers, display of ward checklists, and periodic feedback during ward rounds. Re-audits were conducted monthly to assess improvement.
Results: Pre-intervention overall clerking completeness was 75.25%. Post-intervention, overall compliance increased to 91.6%, achieving the ≥90% target. Marked improvements were observed in growth centiles (33.3% to 80%), blood pressure centiles (5% to 78%), differential diagnosis (0% to 75%), and problem list documentation (0% to 79%). The improvement was statistically significant (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Introduction of a standardized clerking checklist with regular feedback significantly improved the completeness of paediatric admission documentation. Sustained monitoring and integration into staff orientation are recommended to maintain compliance and enhance patient safety .