Meaningless Notes

There are units where people write notes about everything. The most common examples of note obsession are "Your mother does not work here" over the sink or in the bathroom. The worst and most meaningless instruction I have seen is "Do not stick forks in the toaster". Other common ones are wipe off your shoes, hang up your outerwear. There are units where walls and doors have so many instructions that it is impossible to see them.

How are we affected by notes

In traffic safety work, it has been realized that with too much information, it eventually becomes difficult to see the forest for all the trees. The Traffic Safety Authority has therefore cleared and continuously clears to limit the amount of information we road users have to decide on.

Written instructions occur too often in workplaces. Who believes that staff sanitizes their hands more often because there is a note about sanitizing hands next to the bottle with hand sanitizer? And is it really the case that the person who leaves their coffee cup without washing it stops doing it because there is a note there?
Sure, you can get annoyed at a workplace for things not working. I myself was disgusted when I found a milk carton almost a year old in the fridge in the staff room. But what does a note help against that? It is probably someone who has forgotten that they put it there and it shows that there is a lack of routine to clean the fridge. It should be our common responsibility.

When are notes needed

Information signs may be justified for temporary needs, for example when the unit has a spread of norovirus. Then they are most aimed at temporary guests and should have a well thought out location.

Social rules

Many times the note writing is due to us avoiding bringing it up with the person who has been sloppy. This is to avoid conflict. But not bringing it up is really no solution. Unresolved conflicts will sooner or later escalate and then they become even harder to handle. However, remember that you yourself are responsible for how and when you bring up issues.

Slightly aggressive notes with moralizing messages do not help. Nor is it to go to the boss and complain. The best way to bring about a change is to talk from how you yourself feel it. "I get annoyed when there is a lot of old dishes on the sink and sour milk in the fridge. I would like us to show that we like each other and care about our work by keeping our common areas pleasant".

All workplaces have to some extent problems with this. If the workplace has recurring problems with dishes and food being left behind or the microwave being dirty, it may be better to talk about it in the group. Very few people find it pleasant with food and dishes that smell and common agreements are usually adhered to. If it does not work, a private conversation with the person who is not taking responsibility may be a solution.

Reflection - Note Obsession
Care staff:
• Do you have unnecessary notes?
• Who is it that puts up the notes?
• Are there notes that could be removed?

Manager, nurse, occupational therapist and physiotherapist:
• Are there unnecessary posters and notes with instructions?
• What is the tone of the instructions?
• Are there situations where it is justified to put up notes?

Residents and relatives:
• Is the unit a home or a workplace?
• Are there notes with instructions posted in visible places?

Erland Olsson
Specialist nurse
Sofrosyne - Better care every day