How should procedure notes ideally be taught?

Teaching procedure notes ideally involves integrating them into the learning process at the moment they are encountered in the clinical setting. This method allows learners to see the practical application of the procedure notes in real-time, reinforcing their understanding and retention of the material. By learning about procedures as they are introduced in case examples, students can draw connections between the theoretical aspects of documenting procedures and the practical realities they will face in their roles. This approach promotes immediate engagement with the content, making it more relevant and easier to remember.

In contrast, teaching procedure notes as a separate module may lead to a disconnect between the theory and its applications. Comprehensive training on all topics before addressing procedure notes can overwhelm newcomers and might result in cognitive overload, making it challenging for them to grasp the nuances of documenting procedures in the context of patient care. Focusing solely on experienced scribes overlooks the importance of foundational knowledge for all levels of trainees, as each individual may encounter procedures at varying times in their development.