Implementing a tertiary survey in the emergency general surgery population: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Objectives: The inherent complexity of the Emergency General Surgery (EGS) patient may preclude precise documentation at admission. To obviate lapses in documentation, an EGS tertiary survey (EGS-TS) was developed to enable early recognition of relevant omissions in documentation and clinical findings. We theorized that the creation of the EGS-TS would promote more thorough clinical documentation.

Methods: A prospective observational study was performed utilizing an EGS-TS from February 2019 through May 2019. The EGS-TS included physical exam, medication reconciliation, analysis of documentation for accuracy, and review of diagnostic imaging for incidental findings.

Results: There were 139 EGS admissions during the study period and 108 (78%) received an EGS-TS. Of those who received the EGS-TS, incorrect medication reconciliations (72%), incidental findings (12%), undocumented wounds (11%), and undocumented indwelling catheters were identified (6%).

Conclusion: Implementation of an EGS-TS triggers a detailed evaluation and reveals opportunities for education, improved adherence to documentation standards, and further research that may guide quality improvement initiatives.