🚨 Important - This article is only relevant to sites using the new notes experience currently rolling out across sites.
Why have my clinical notes moved?
Clinical notes can now be written in two places. The main place is the clinical notes sidebar, where you write an appointment clinical note for the whole visit. You can still write a shorter treatment item clinical note on an individual treatment when you specifically need one.
We recommend writing most of your notes in the sidebar. The sidebar is optimised for ambient listening and appointment recording, and it keeps one complete record of the visit in the patient's clinical history.
Top Tip: Getting used to the new experience? Watch our learning course or webinar here
Notes now save automatically as you work. You complete each note once you're happy with it, and every change is recorded in the note's audit history.
Which type of clinical note should I use?
Appointment clinical note (recommended)
Written in the clinical notes sidebar against the appointment
Best for the main record of the visit
Supports typing, dictation, templates and appointment recording
Does not lock automatically after 24 hours. You complete the note when you are ready
Treatment item clinical note
Written in the ' Notes ' section on a treatment item's ' Details ' tab
Best for short notes that must sit against a specific treatment
Does not support recording or AI note features
Locks 24 hours after the treatment item is completed
Top tip: Use the clinical notes sidebar as your main place for notes. Keep treatment item clinical notes for shorter, treatment-specific detail you definitely need on that item.
Why are notes now saved against the appointment?
Previously, clinical notes were attached to individual treatment items. This meant notes for a single visit could be spread across several treatments.
Appointment clinical notes are written in one place, the clinical notes sidebar, and saved to the patient's clinical history. This gives you one complete record for each visit, and works better with appointment recording.
Do clinical notes still lock after 24 hours?
It depends on which type of note you are writing.
Appointment clinical notes no longer lock automatically after 24 hours. Completing a note is something you do once you've reviewed it and you're happy the record is complete.
If you need to add information after completing an appointment clinical note, you can add an amendment at any time. Amendments are recorded with the date, time and your name, and the full audit history is kept.
Please note: Treatment item clinical notes still lock 24 hours after the treatment item is completed. After that, the note can no longer be edited. See How to edit and complete treatment item clinical notes.
We plan to have one completion process for all notes in the future.
Where do I find my appointment clinical notes?
You must now access and edit clinical notes from the clinical note sidebar.
Open the patient’s chart
Locate and click the 'View note' or'Create note' button against the patients appt on their treatment plan. Or just click to open the clinical sidebar from the top right.
Type or dictate your notes as preferred. Alternatively, record your full appointment to capture the conversation and help ensure accurate notes.
Once you finish, complete the note so it shows as Reviewed in the patient record.
What happens to my existing notes?
Notes already attached to a locked treatment item stay where they are. A treatment item locks when it is charged and marked as complete. Once an item is locked, its existing notes can't be edited.
You can still write new treatment item clinical notes where you need short, treatment-specific detail. See How to write a clinical note on a treatment item.
Benefits of moving to appointment-level clinical notes
Clearer records: One complete note per visit
Less duplication: No need to repeat notes across treatment items
Improved efficiency: Faster documentation with all editing done in one location
Better visibility: Easier to review past notes in your patient's history