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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:

1. Mark in Error
Primary Function
Hide incorrect documentation while preserving audit trail
When to Use
Documentation on wrong patient, incorrect clinical notes, wrong SNOMED codes, mistaken entries
2. Registration-Based Corrections
Primary Function
Correct patient demographics and identity information
Covers
Duplicate records, wrong IC numbers, incorrect name/DOB/gender/address
3. Vaccination Entry Correction
Primary Function
Correct vaccination records with wrong batch/part number
Process
Mark incorrect entry in error, create new entry with correct vaccine details
4. Medication Prescription Error
Primary Function
Correct prescription errors before dispensing
Covers
Wrong drug, dose, route, frequency, or patient
5. Appointment Detail Correction
Primary Function
Fix appointment scheduling errors
Covers
Wrong date/time, wrong clinic/service, duplicate bookings
6. Patient Reallocation
Primary Function
Move patient to correct room or service
When to Use
Wrong room allocation, incorrect service assignment
7. Test/Procedure Order Correction
Primary Function
Cancel and replace incorrect investigation orders
Covers
Wrong lab test, wrong radiology request, duplicate orders
8. Manual Late Entry
Primary Function
Document missed or delayed entries with proper dating
When to Use
Missed documentation, post-downtime entry, late phone consultations

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 TypeWhen to Use
Merge Duplicate RecordsSame 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 AmendmentWrong 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 TypeCorrection Action
Wrong Date/TimeUse "Move Appointment" function to reschedule
Wrong Clinic/ServiceDelete appointment and book new one in correct rota
Wrong Patient/DuplicateDelete 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:

StageAction
Before ProcessingClinician deletes order from patient record (Clinical Tree → Order Requests → Right-click → Delete)
After ProcessingLab/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 WorkflowReference
Clinical notes, observations, SNOMED codesMark in ErrorA.4.6.2
Patient demographics or identityRegistration-Based CorrectionsSee Section 3.2
Vaccination recordsVaccination Entry CorrectionSee Section 3.3
PrescriptionsMedication Prescription ErrorSee Section 3.4
Appointment schedulingAppointment Detail CorrectionSee Section 3.5
Room or service allocationPatient ReallocationSee Section 3.6
Lab/radiology ordersTest/Procedure Order CorrectionSee Section 3.7
Missed or delayed documentationManual Late EntrySee Section 3.8

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong ApproachCorrect Approach
Using free text to "explain away" an error without proper correctionUse appropriate correction workflow and document in audit trail
Deleting entries completely instead of marking in errorAlways mark in error to preserve audit trail
Ignoring prescription errors during dispensingStop dispensing, contact prescriber, correct before releasing
Creating new patient record when duplicate existsSearch thoroughly and merge duplicates
Making demographic changes without security controlsUse proper security-controlled procedures for IC changes
Backdating without documenting reasonAlways explain why entry is late in patient notes
Correcting others' work without authorizationUse 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 WorkflowStatusNotes
Mark in ErrorActiveFrequently used by doctors and nurses for daily corrections
Registration-Based CorrectionsActiveMerge and IC correction procedures established
Vaccination Entry CorrectionActiveStandard practice in MCH unit
Medication Prescription ErrorIn ProgressPharmacist-doctor communication protocol being refined
Appointment Detail CorrectionActiveUsed daily at appointment counter and clinical areas
Patient ReallocationPartialStaff aware but some auto-allocation issues persist
Test/Procedure Order CorrectionActiveLab rejection workflow operational
Manual Late EntryIn ProgressEvent 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

Best Practices for Correction Workflows

For All Staff
Always verify patient identity before making corrections
Choose the correct workflow—wrong method can create audit problems
Document clear reasons for every correction
Double-check your correction before finalizing
Inform supervisor of significant corrections
When in doubt, ask before proceeding
For Clinical Staff
Use Mark in Error for most clinical documentation errors
Never ignore medication errors—correct immediately before dispensing
Document late entries using Event Details function
Coordinate with pharmacist for prescription corrections
For Registration Staff
Search thoroughly before creating new registrations
Merge duplicates as soon as identified
Use security-controlled procedures for IC changes
Verify demographic details with patient before saving
For Supervisors
Review Deleted Items node periodically for unusual patterns
Ensure staff understand which workflow to use for different errors
Monitor high-frequency correction areas for training opportunities
Escalate system-level correction issues to IT or clinic administrator

Contributor

Dr Fuad Jaafar

Dr Fuad Jaafar

Facilitator, CCMS • KK Bandar Maharani

84 contributions

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