Which characteristic defines Charting by Exception?

Charting by Exception is a documentation method primarily defined by its focus on including only those responses and observations that deviate from predefined norms or standards. This approach emphasizes efficiency by avoiding redundant information and condensing documentation to critical variations in patient status or care.

Rather than detailing every patient response—whether typical or atypical—this system allows healthcare providers to concentrate on significant changes in a patient’s condition or treatment outcomes. It ensures that the documentation remains concise while still capturing pertinent shifts that might require attention. By only noting exceptions to the norm, this method aims to streamline communication among healthcare providers, making it more effective in fast-paced environments where time and resources are limited.

This focus on deviations from established criteria distinguishes Charting by Exception from more traditional methods that require documenting all interactions or responses, which can lead to extensive records that are time-consuming to create and review.