Comparative Evaluation of Completeness of Traditional Narrative versus Electronic Synoptic Operative Reports for Ovarian, Peritoneal and Fallopian Tube Cancer Surgery in a Tertiary Government Hospital

Abstract

Objective. This study aimed to compare the completeness and ease of use of narrative reports (NR) submitted by residents compared to electronic synoptic reports (SR) by gynecologic oncology fellows for patients who underwent ovarian, fallopian, and peritoneal cancer surgery.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology of the Philippine General Hospital from August to November 2019. We assessed the NRs and electronic SRs for completeness of data using quality indicators.

Results. The average percentage of completeness of quality indicators is 77.1% (35.7/65). Eight indicators were absent in all NRs. Reporting of residual lesions was low (29.1%). The mean time to accomplish SRs (10.4 minutes) was significantly shorter than the mean time to accomplish NRs (21.9 minutes) (p value = 0.0001). SRs were assessed to be superior to NRs in several areas of surgery for quality, completeness and timeliness.

Conclusion. This study showed that the NRs should be improved and periodic audit must be done to maintain quality assurance. The use of SR appears to be favorable and superior in terms of time required to accomplish.