J Audiol Otol.  2025 Jan;29(1):64-66. 10.7874/jao.2024.00682.

Joy of Electronic Drawing for Operative Notes: Enhancing Surgical Documentation

• Chung JW

• KMID: 2564439
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7874/jao.2024.00682

Abstract

This manuscript explores the integration of electronic drawings into surgical operative notes, highlighting their importance in improving the quality and utility of surgical documentation. Operative notes, as essential components of surgical practice, serve various purposes: they detail procedures, provide critical information to healthcare providers, guide treatment planning, and function as legal records. The transition from traditional hand-drawn illustrations to electronic drawings, enabled by the growing adoption of electronic medical record systems, has transformed surgical documentation. This digital approach offers multiple advantages, including better communication among healthcare providers, enhanced patient care, and more effective teaching tools for surgical residents. By delivering clear and intuitive visual depictions of complex procedures, electronic drawings enable faster information retrieval during time-sensitive consultations and promote a shared understanding among healthcare professionals. In conclusion, incorporating electronic drawings into operative notes significantly enriches surgical documentation, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and advancing the discipline of surgery.

Keyword

Surgery; Operative notes; Electrical drawing; Education outcomes