Multidisciplinary bedside notes: an experiment in care.

An experimental system of multidisciplinary medical records was introduced in an elderly ward at St George's Hospital, London. The new-style notes improved multidisciplinary communication in goal-setting and care-planning and, by placing the record at the foot of the patient's bed, brought the focus of patient care to the patient's bedside. Major difficulties included duplication of paperwork, refiling after discharge and the matter of confidentiality. All the members of the multidisciplinary team were in favour of continuing the system, however, and recommended its use in other wards.