671 EFFECT OF PROBLEM ORIENTED RECORD COMPONENTS ON HOSPITAL CARE

We implemented a standardized data base (SDB) and problem list (PL) in two 50-bed general pediatric wards X and Y, and measured number of problems identified and amount of data collected in 100 randomly sampled records from each ward before (period 1), immediately after (period 2), and one year after implementation (period 3). Mean subjective data score at periods 1,2 and 3 was 14.96+S.D. 5.57, 28.18±S.D.9.76 (p=<0.005) and 28.7±S.D.9.53 respectively, (maximum possible=50). Mean objective data score at periods 1,2 and 3 was 10.97±S.D.4.96, 17.64±S.D.1.78 (p=<0.005) and 17.48±S.D. 1.7, respectively (maximum possible=21). There was no significant difference between wards X and Y, mean number of problems identified on admission to ward X at periods 1,2 and 3 was 2.22 (range 1-6; mode 1; median 2), 2.08 (range 1-5; mode 1; median 2), 2.17 (range 1-6; mode 1; median 2), 2.18 (range 1-6; mode 1; median 2), 2.17 (range 1-6; mode 1; median 2). Percentage of records with 3 problems on discharge from ward X at periods 1,2 and 3 was 50%, 40% and 52%, respectively, and for ward Y, 25%, 39% (p=<0.025) and 42%. An SDB can increase significantly amount of data collected on admission to a general pediatric ward, and maintain the increase for at least one year. The PL may increase number of problems identified if the number is relatively small before PL implementation.