Documentation Correction Workflows
SystmOne provides multiple correction workflows designed for specific error types. Understanding which workflow to use ensures accurate corrections while maintaining audit trail integrity.
Overview of Correction Workflows
This page provides a comprehensive overview of all correction methods available at KKBM, with clear guidance on when to use each one.
KKBM recognizes eight correction workflows covering the most common error scenarios encountered in clinical practice:
Correction Workflow Details
3.1 Workflow #1: Mark in Error
Primary Function: Hide incorrect documentation while preserving audit trail
When to Use:
- Documentation entered on wrong patient record
- Incorrect clinical notes or observations
- Wrong SNOMED codes selected
- Mistaken medication entries
- Any data entry error that needs correction
Key Features:
- Most frequently used correction method
- Crosses out entries but keeps them visible in audit trail
- Requires reason for marking in error
- Can be reversed through "Reinstate" function
- Works across most nodes (consultations, vitals, prescriptions)
Link: → See A.4.6.2 Mark in Error Function for complete details
3.2 Workflow #2: Registration-Based Corrections
Primary Function: Correct patient demographics and identity information
Three Sub-Types:
| Correction Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Merge Duplicate Records | Same patient registered twice under different IC or name |
| IC Number Correction (Security Controlled) | Child registered under mother's IC, incorrect IC number entered |
| Demographic Detail Amendment | Wrong name, DOB, gender, ethnicity, address, or phone number |
Critical Note: IC number changes and record merging are security-controlled procedures. Always verify patient identity before proceeding.
3.3 Workflow #3: Vaccination Entry Correction
Primary Function: Correct vaccination records with wrong batch/part number
When to Use:
- Wrong vaccine batch number entered
- Incorrect vaccine part number
- Wrong vaccine type recorded
- Vaccination entered on wrong patient
Standard Process:
Mark incorrect entry in error, then create new correct entry with proper vaccine details.
3.4 Workflow #4: Medication Prescription Error
Primary Function: Correct prescription errors before dispensing
Common Scenarios:
- Wrong drug prescribed
- Incorrect dose, frequency, or formulation
- Wrong route of administration
- Prescription on wrong patient record
- Duplicate repeat prescriptions
Critical Workflow:
Involves coordination between doctor and pharmacist. Pharmacist identifies error during vetting, communicates with prescriber, prescription is marked in error, and new correct prescription is issued.
Patient Safety Note: Never allow incorrect prescriptions to be dispensed. Always verify before medication reaches patient.
3.5 Workflow #5: Appointment Detail Correction
Primary Function: Fix appointment scheduling errors
When to Use:
- Wrong appointment date or time
- Patient booked into wrong clinic/service
- Appointment on wrong patient record
- Duplicate appointment bookings
| Error Type | Correction Action |
|---|---|
| Wrong Date/Time | Use "Move Appointment" function to reschedule |
| Wrong Clinic/Service | Delete appointment and book new one in correct rota |
| Wrong Patient/Duplicate | Delete appointment with cancellation reason |
Best Practice: Always notify patient of appointment changes.
3.6 Workflow #6: Patient Reallocation
Primary Function: Move patient to correct room or service
When to Use:
- Patient auto-allocated to wrong room
- Patient manually assigned to incorrect consultation room
- Wrong service type selected during registration
Quick Method:
From patient record → Clinical Tree → Appointments Node → Right-click incorrect appointment → Administration → Delete → Rebook to correct room/service.
3.7 Workflow #7: Test/Procedure Order Correction
Primary Function: Cancel and replace incorrect investigation orders
When to Use:
- Wrong lab test ordered (e.g., LFT instead of FBC)
- Wrong radiology request (e.g., Chest X-ray instead of Abdomen X-ray)
- Test ordered on wrong patient record
- Duplicate test/procedure orders
Two-Stage Process:
| Stage | Action |
|---|---|
| Before Processing | Clinician deletes order from patient record (Clinical Tree → Order Requests → Right-click → Delete) |
| After Processing | Lab/Radiology technician rejects order from Order Request Overview module |
Important: Always re-enter correct order after cancellation.
3.8 Workflow #8: Manual Late Entry with Justification
Primary Function: Document missed or delayed entries with proper dating
When to Use:
- Documentation missed during actual encounter
- Data re-entry after system downtime
- Recording procedures done but not documented
- Late recording of phone consultations or advice
Three Methods Available:
Event Details Button (Toolbar): Set actual event date/time before entering documentation
Backdating Within Templates: Use date picker in templates to set actual care date
Amend Existing Entry Date: Right-click entry date → Amend Details → Amend Date (requires "Amend Consultations" access)
Critical Requirement: Always document reason for late entry in patient notes. Audit trail will show who made the amendment and when.
4. Quick Decision Guide: Which Workflow to Use?
Use this decision table to quickly identify the correct workflow for your situation:
| If Error Involves... | Use This Workflow | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical notes, observations, SNOMED codes | Mark in Error | A.4.6.2 |
| Patient demographics or identity | Registration-Based Corrections | See Section 3.2 |
| Vaccination records | Vaccination Entry Correction | See Section 3.3 |
| Prescriptions | Medication Prescription Error | See Section 3.4 |
| Appointment scheduling | Appointment Detail Correction | See Section 3.5 |
| Room or service allocation | Patient Reallocation | See Section 3.6 |
| Lab/radiology orders | Test/Procedure Order Correction | See Section 3.7 |
| Missed or delayed documentation | Manual Late Entry | See Section 3.8 |
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Wrong Approach | Correct Approach |
|---|---|
| Using free text to "explain away" an error without proper correction | Use appropriate correction workflow and document in audit trail |
| Deleting entries completely instead of marking in error | Always mark in error to preserve audit trail |
| Ignoring prescription errors during dispensing | Stop dispensing, contact prescriber, correct before releasing |
| Creating new patient record when duplicate exists | Search thoroughly and merge duplicates |
| Making demographic changes without security controls | Use proper security-controlled procedures for IC changes |
| Backdating without documenting reason | Always explain why entry is late in patient notes |
| Correcting others' work without authorization | Use task system or request mark in error from owning organization |
6. Before You Correct: Quick Checklist
Before proceeding with any correction, verify these essential points:
☐ Confirm Patient Identity: Verify you have the correct patient record open
☐ Identify Error Type: Determine exactly what needs correction
☐ Choose Correct Workflow: Select appropriate method from this guide
☐ Check Access Permissions: Ensure you have authority to make this correction
☐ Document Reason: Prepare clear explanation for audit trail
☐ Consider Patient Safety: Assess if error poses immediate risk requiring escalation
☐ Plan Communication: Determine if supervisor, patient, or other staff need notification
7. Correction Workflow Implementation at KKBM
Current implementation status of correction workflows at Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Maharani:
| Correction Workflow | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mark in Error | Active | Frequently used by doctors and nurses for daily corrections |
| Registration-Based Corrections | Active | Merge and IC correction procedures established |
| Vaccination Entry Correction | Active | Standard practice in MCH unit |
| Medication Prescription Error | In Progress | Pharmacist-doctor communication protocol being refined |
| Appointment Detail Correction | Active | Used daily at appointment counter and clinical areas |
| Patient Reallocation | Partial | Staff aware but some auto-allocation issues persist |
| Test/Procedure Order Correction | Active | Lab rejection workflow operational |
| Manual Late Entry | In Progress | Event Details function available but inconsistently used |
8. Key Takeaways
- Eight correction workflows cover most common error scenarios at KKBM
- Mark in Error is the primary correction method for clinical documentation errors
- Registration-based corrections handle patient identity and demographic issues
- Each workflow preserves audit trail and maintains data integrity
- Always choose the correct workflow for your specific error type
- Document reasons for all corrections to support accountability
- When uncertain, consult supervisor or clinic administrator before proceeding
- Patient safety takes priority—escalate critical errors immediately
