What is the template for a general accent (assessment and plan) documentation in Emergency Medicine (EM)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: April 2, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

A comprehensive accent documentation in emergency medicine should include the following elements: Patient identification, chief complaint, history of present illness, past medical history, medications, allergies, social history, family history, review of systems, physical examination findings, vital signs, diagnostic studies ordered and results, medical decision making, differential diagnosis, treatment plan, disposition, and follow-up instructions. When documenting, use clear chronological order for the history of present illness, noting onset, duration, severity, exacerbating and alleviating factors, and associated symptoms. The physical exam should be thorough but focused on relevant systems. Document all interventions performed, medications administered with dosages and times, patient response to treatments, and any consultations obtained. Include your clinical reasoning process, explaining why certain diagnoses were considered or ruled out. For disposition, clearly state whether the patient was discharged, admitted, transferred, or left against medical advice, along with specific follow-up instructions and return precautions. This structured approach ensures comprehensive documentation that supports medical necessity, facilitates continuity of care, and provides legal protection in case of future litigation, as supported by the most recent study on standardization of emergency department clinical note templates 1. Key elements to prioritize in documentation include:

  • Patient identification and chief complaint
  • History of present illness, including onset, duration, and severity
  • Past medical history, medications, and allergies
  • Physical examination findings and vital signs
  • Diagnostic studies ordered and results
  • Medical decision making and differential diagnosis
  • Treatment plan and disposition
  • Follow-up instructions and return precautions Using a standardized note template, as shown to be effective in a recent study 1, can help ensure that all necessary elements are included in the documentation. By following this structured approach to documentation, emergency medicine providers can ensure that their documentation is comprehensive, accurate, and supportive of high-quality patient care.

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.