Updating the accident and emergency record.

Eight records used in six accident and emergency (A/E) departments in the Mersey Region were reviewed. We studied (1) the structure of records; (2) the printed matter on the record; (3) the designated areas for documentation by the administrative, nursing and medical staff; and (4) the advantages of the records in transferring information to other departments and general practitioners. The use of computers in the departments was investigated. None of the hospitals used the same accident and emergency record. One of the records had a designated area for documenting the nursing care of the patients. None of the accident and emergency departments used computers for either delayed or real-time recording of patients' details. A computer-structured A/E Record will produce a legible, factual patient history, examination and care plan. The information recorded will be easily transferred to relevant hospital departments and ultimately to the community practitioners.