Electronic Fetal Monitoring Documentation

Connecting Points for Quality Care and Communication

Abstract

Contemporaneous, complete, and objective documentation is the foundation for continuity of patient care and facilitates communication between all levels of healthcare clinicians. The impact of electronic fetal monitoring on obstetric safety has become a high priority, with documentation being essential to evaluating care quality. Over several decades, electronic fetal monitoring documentation has reached a higher level of precision because paper is being replaced with health information technology that incorporates system's features such as checklists, drop-down boxes, and decision analysis. The intent of this article is to provide a synopsis of important concepts regarding electronic fetal monitoring documentation and liability-reduction strategies for perinatal nurses.