FDAR charting: Focus Data Action Response.

FOCUS CHARTING- describes the patient's perspective

and focuses on documenting the patient's current status, progress towards goals, and response to
interventions.

Focus identifies the content or purpose of the narrative entry and is
separated from the body of the notes in order to promote easy data retrieval and communication
Data - statements contain objective and/or subjective information.
Action statements that contain nursing interventions (basic, perspective,independent) past, present or
future.- it also contains collaborative orders
Response Evident patient outcomes or response

INFORMATION FROM ALL THREE CATEGORIES (DATA,ACTION,RESPONSE)should be used
only as they are RELEVANT or AVAILABLE.However, all appropriate information should be included
to ensure complete documentation

Purpose of FDAR charting
1) To easily identify critical patient issues/concerns in the Progress Notes.
2) To facilitate communication among all disciplines.
3) To improve time efficiency with documentation.
4) To provide concise entries that would not duplicate patient information already provided on flow
sheet/checklist.When is FDAR necessary
5) To describe a patient problem/ focus/ concern from the care plan
6) To document an activity or treatment that was carried out
7) To document a new findings
8) To document an acute change in patient's condition
9) To identify the discipline making the entry as well as the topic of the note
10) To describe all specifics regarding patient/family teaching
11) To document a significant event or unusual episode in patient care

DOCUMENTATION DOS AND DONTS
-DO time and date all entries.
-DO use flowsheet/ checklist. Keep information on flowsheet/checklist current
-DO chart as you make observations.
-DO write your own observations and sign your own name. Sign and initial every entry.
-DO describe patient's behavior and use direct patient quotes when appropriate.
-DO record exactly what happens to patient and care given.
-DO be factual and complete.
-DO draw a single line thru an error. Mark this entry as error and-sign your name.
-DO use only approved abbreviations-DO use next available line to chart.
-DO document patient's current status and response to medical care and treatments.
-DO write legibly. DO use ink. DO use accepted chart forms.

DONTS
-DON'T begin charting until you check the name and identifying number on the patient's chart on each
page.
-DON'T chart procedures or cares in advance.
-DON'T clutter notes with repetitive or frequently changing data already charted on the
flowsheet/checklist.
-DON'T make or sign an entry for someone else.
-DON'T change and entry because someone tells you.
-DON'T label a patient or show bias.
-DON'T try to cover up a mistake or incident by inaccuracy or omission.
-DON'T white out or erase an error.
-DON'T throw away notes with an error on them.
-DON'T squeeze in a missed entry or leave space for someone else who forgot to chart.
-DON'T write in the margin.
-DON'T use meaningless words and phrases, such as good dayor no complaints-
-DON'T use notebook paper or pencil.

GENERAL GUIDELINES
-Focus charting must be evident at least once every shift.
-Focus charting must be patient-oriented not nursing task-oriented.
-Indicate the date and time of entry in the first column.
-Separate the topic words for the body of notes:a. Focus note written on the second column.b. Data,
Action and Response on the third column.
-Sign name for every time entry-Document only patients concern and/or plan of care e.g. healthteaching
per shift.