Most physicians are aware of the regulations
regarding dating, timing and signing verbal orders.
Unfortunately, audits of the SGH charts indicate that
compliance with this requirement is not acceptable
and, in fact, is falling. Recent results show 35-45%
compliance.
While this is certainly a multi-disciplinary process, the
chiefs-of-staff representing the medical staff have
been involved in discussions with hospital
leadership. As a result of those discussions, there is
renewed emphasis on remembering that
verbal orders are almost never
appropriate.
Everyone will agree that there are some
circumstances (dire emergencies, codes, etc.) during
which the physician cannot stop to write an order.
Providing immediate care to the patient is obviously
the priority in those situations. However, in those
situations, the verbal order must be signed after the
emergency is over and before the physician leaves the
unit.
Verbal orders should not be used as a matter of
convenience. Nursing staff are being instructed not to
accept verbal orders (except in emergencies).
Medical staff members are being reminded to respect
any request to write the order themselves.
