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Weekly Q&A: Deciding whether pictures belong in the documentation

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, November 14, 2006

This week, a reader wants to know the pros and cons of including photographs in the documentation. Read the response below from our advisor, Elise I. Gropper, PhD, APRN,BC, CPHQ, president, Gropper & Associates, Inc., a national healthcare consulting firm in Coral Springs, FL.

Q: Can you address the pros and cons related to putting pictures in the documentation?

A: Although there are no requirements for-or opposition to-including pictures in the documents, you should ask yourself the following questions when determining whether each picture should be included:

• Do the pictures clearly and concisely depict what you want to convey to the appraisers for the particular Force of Magnetism and source of evidence you are trying to exemplify?
• Are the pictures supportive of your evidence, or distracting from your narrative, exemplifiers, data, etc.?
• Will the pictures take room away from the inclusion of other important documents when you consider the maximum documentation requirements?

Keep in mind that your evidence must demonstrate participation by nurses at all levels, wide dissemination across all care settings, and established, sustained processes, structures, and outcomes.

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