The short answer
The right template depends on the encounter. Fast Track gives a focused ED visit a quick-to-read structure, Emergency leaves room for a fuller ED account, and Ward Round follows an inpatient review. Switching templates rearranges the same clinical information, so read the new draft before using it.
Fast Track: focused ED documentation
Fast Track suits an encounter that another clinician should be able to scan quickly: the reason for attendance, relevant background, findings, care and response are all easy to locate. The structure is focused, but clinically important details from the dictation still belong in the note.
Its sections are Presenting Problem; Focused History & Relevant Background; Medications and Allergies; Observations; Focused Examination & Investigations; Treatment and Procedures; and Reassessment and Response. Include disposition or follow-up in the clinically appropriate section if they were documented.
Fast Track is an emergency department model of care, not a nationally prescribed note form. Local documentation requirements still apply.
Emergency: a fuller ED account
Use Emergency when the case needs a fuller chronological history, more background, separate investigation results and a clearly stated assessment and active plan. This structure is useful when another clinician needs to understand the path from presentation to disposition.
DictaMed’s Emergency note has Chief Complaint; History of Present Illness; Medical History, Medications and Allergies; Family History; Social History; Immunisations; Examination; Investigations, Plan and Results; and Assessment and Plan. Sections should contain only information supported by the source. If a category was not discussed, an empty heading is less useful than a fabricated “nil”.
A reader should be able to follow the case from the complaint through the earlier events, today’s examination and the investigations. End with the clinician’s assessment and actions rather than scattering them through the history.
Ward Round: interval progress and actions
Use Ward Round for an inpatient review where the team needs to see what has changed since the previous review, what each active problem requires and who will do the next actions. Do not copy admission history into every daily progress entry unless it is relevant to today’s decision.
Its sections are Ward Round; Clinical Snapshot; Assessment and Plan by Problem; Interval Clinical Review; Results; Medications; Daily Safety Review; Goals, Escalation and Disposition; Actions; and Admission and ED Background. The latter section is for relevant background, not a second full history.
Switching a template after a note is created
DictaMed lets the doctor change the note workflow during review. Compare the regenerated version against the reviewed transcript and your corrections. A different heading structure can move information, but it must not create a new diagnosis, alter a dose or change the disposition.
Choose the template that serves the reader of the final record. The clinician’s own review, local policy and the authorised clinical system take precedence over any suggested structure.
Common questions
Does Fast Track mean less clinical detail?
No. It uses a focused structure while retaining clinically relevant details from the source.
Can I change templates after dictating?
Yes. Review the new draft carefully after changing the workflow, particularly for omissions or facts moved to the wrong section.
Is one of these a mandated Australian form?
No. These are DictaMed note structures. Your workplace and professional obligations determine the final record requirements.
Sources and product details
- NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation — Emergency department models of care
- Medical Board of Australia — Good medical practice, medical records
These guides describe DictaMed’s current workflow and general documentation principles. Follow your workplace policy and use clinical judgement for each patient.