Hard copy printing

This process is for leadership teams and support staff delivering emergency care using the ECAT protocols.

Purpose of hard copies of protocols

Hard copies of the ECAT protocols are kept on site in binders at each emergency department as part of the electronic downtime workflow and safety procedure. The hard copy protocols are a safety redundancy and not for usual practice. They and should be kept in a secure space accessible to all staff. This is to ensure uninterrupted access to protocols and continuity of operations and patient care.

Each protocol is printed individually to allow for replacement of a single protocol.

The protocols have safety mechanisms which include:

• date of publishing and review as a sign of currency
• a QR code which, if scanned, lets the user see if the protocol is current.

Individual facilities may provide additional protocol binders for operational use. Note that they will not stand up to usual wear and tear. Prolonged use requires infection control considerations.

Protocol review

The protocols are reviewed according to a formal review cycle. They are also amended or updated when needed. Triggers for initiating a reprint of a protocol are outlined in the triggers for reprint table.

Protocols can also be reprinted at your discretion. Reasons for reprinting may include general wear and tear, damage or loss.

Reprint process

The Emergency Care Institute (ECI) emails the chief executive in each local health district (LHD) and specialty health network (SHN) when a reprint is triggered.

LHDs and SHNs must oversee and guarantee the completion of ECAT protocol reprints.

LHDs and SHNs must ensure:

• the physical protocol reprint occurs
• is placed in the binder
• the old version of the protocol is destroyed.

How to order protocol reprints

Hard copy reprints are ordered directly through Finsbury Green.

You need the correct protocol number and corresponding product code when ordering prints.

Auditing binders and protocol currency

Each LHD and SHN must:

• have a local process on the frequency of auditing, including the positions accountable and responsible for auditing and reporting findings
• conduct audits at regular intervals.

Regular auditing ensures that:

• binders are stored in the correct place
• staff know how to locate them
• all protocols are present in the binder
• all protocols are current.

Triggers for reprint