Basic Malaria Microscopy (part I and II) (WHO - OMS, 1991, 72 p.): Learning Unit 3. Keeping accurate records

Basic Malaria Microscopy (part I and II) (WHO - OMS, 1991, 72 p.)

		(introduction...)
		Preface
		Introduction
		Learning Unit 1. Malaria, the disease
		Learning Unit 2. Cleaning and storing microscope slides
		Learning Unit 3. Keeping accurate records
		Learning Unit 4. Blood films
		Learning Unit 5. Staining blood films with Giemsa stain
		Learning Unit 6. The microscope
		Learning Unit 7. Examining blood films
		Learning Unit 8. Examining blood films for malaria parasites
		Learning Unit 9. Artefacts in blood films
		Learning Unit 10. Routine examination of blood films for malaria parasites
		Learning Unit 11. Life cycle of the malaria parasite
		Learning Unit 12. Supervisory aspects of malaria microscopy
		Back Cover

Learning Unit 3. Keeping accurate records

Learning objectives

By the end of this Unit you should be able to:

· identify which record form(s) or register(s) should be used to record information about patients

· record accurately all the required information on the appropriate record form

· select the correct copy of the record form for dispatch to your supervisor.

To make sure that you can trace patients easily, it is important to record all the required information when they attend the clinic or when you see them in their villages. Information is usually recorded on specially designed forms. Although these forms may differ from country to country or health district to health district, the information required is usually the same and may include the following:

· region, province, district and zone where the work is being done
· town or village where the patient lives
· street and house number where the patient lives or through which he or she can be easily contacted
· patient’s name, age and sex
· blood film number
· results of the examination:

- negative for malaria parasites
- positive for malaria parasites
- species of malaria
- parasite stage(s) seen.

Your tutor or facilitator will show you the forms that you will routinely use and will advise you on how to fill them in. You will also have plenty of practice in completing them during field collections that you will undertake later.
Remember that mistakes in completing forms can be just as serious as mistakes in examining blood films.