What is a template for medical decision making notes in the Emergency Room (ER)?

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Last updated: May 27, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the FDA Drug Label

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

  1. 1 Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Clopidogrel tablets are indicated to reduce the rate of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in patients with non–ST-segment elevation ACS (unstable angina [UA]/non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction [NSTEMI]), including patients who are to be managed medically and those who are to be managed with coronary revascularization Clopidogrel tablets should be administered in conjunction with aspirin.

The medical decision making note template for ER may include the following key points:

  • Indication: Clopidogrel is indicated for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), including non-ST-segment elevation ACS and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) 1.
  • Concomitant medication: Clopidogrel should be administered in conjunction with aspirin 1.
  • Benefits: The use of clopidogrel has been shown to reduce the rate of myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with ACS, with a relative risk reduction of 20% compared to placebo 2.
  • Patient population: The benefits of clopidogrel have been observed in various subgroups, including patients with and without revascularization, and those receiving other acute and long-term cardiovascular therapies 2.

From the Research

A comprehensive medical decision making (MDM) note template for emergency room use should include patient demographics, chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical history, medications, allergies, review of systems, physical examination findings, diagnostic studies, assessment, and plan. This structured approach ensures thorough documentation of clinical reasoning, supports medical necessity for interventions, facilitates continuity of care, and provides legal protection 3. The MDM note should reflect the complexity of decision making based on the number of diagnoses considered, data reviewed, and risk of complications, which also determines the appropriate billing level for the encounter.

Key Components of MDM Note Template

  • Patient demographics
  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Past medical history
  • Medications
  • Allergies
  • Review of systems
  • Physical examination findings
  • Diagnostic studies
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Importance of Evaluation in MDM

Evaluation is a vital component of medical decision making, as it enables decision makers to concisely evaluate situations and make better choices 3. This involves considering various factors, such as the health status of the population, economic resources, and the effectiveness of the current healthcare model.

Application of Decision Making Processes

The application of decision making processes in medical practice involves the use of rules and guidelines to help decision makers make calculated decisions 3. This includes the construction of decision trees, which present all possible actions and outcomes, and the prediction of probabilities to choose the most optimal action.

Limitations of Medical Decision Making

Medical decision making is often limited by factors such as uncertainty about future events and the usefulness of outcomes in any particular case 3. Additionally, medical professionals must make decisions with limited information, resources, and knowledge, which can impact the accuracy of their decisions.

Conclusion is not allowed, so the answer will continue without one.

The MDM note template should be tailored to the specific needs of the emergency room setting, taking into account the unique challenges and requirements of this environment 3. By using a structured approach to medical decision making, healthcare professionals can ensure that their decisions are informed, effective, and patient-centered.

References

Research

Medical Decision Making - an Overview.

Acta informatica medica : AIM : journal of the Society for Medical Informatics of Bosnia & Herzegovina : casopis Drustva za medicinsku informatiku BiH, 2022

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.