Results

I.

Criteria Chart
A criteria chart is developed to help determine which of the three writing genres is the
most essential to Health Science majors. Each genre has been given a rating from 1 to
10, with 10 being the highest score based on its importance in the field. The numbers
are added per genre, and the genre with the most points has been closely studied for
this recommendation report. In Appendix A, it shows that patient chart has the most
points followed by research reports and lab reports.

II.

Department Catalog
a. Examination of Learning Goals for Health Science Majors
The four goals of the Health Science Department stated in the catalog are:
understanding of theories and research-based health interventions; information
literacy and research skills; professional, ethical and reflective practice with diverse
populations; and communication skills (California State University, Fullerton
[CSUF], 2014). In communication skills, one of the goals is to write effectively
taking purpose and audience into account (p. 349). It is clear that the department is
aware of the importance of literacy as Health Science majors continue to deal with
researching and promoting public health. However, the catalog does not specify
which course helps the students learn proper writing in a patient chart because the
department focuses more on developing research abilities (CSUF, 2014).
b. Examination of Course List

English Advanced College Writing 301 is a writing course for both English
and non-English majors, which helps students improve on their rhetoric and

individual style such as diction, audience, emphasis and persuasion (CSUF,

2014).
English Technical Writing 360 educates Science and non-Science majors
about writing on professional rhetorical situations, genres and styles. It
includes professional writing on reports, proposals, memo and etc. (CSUF,

2014).
Health Science Planning, Research and Evaluation 475 focuses on Health
Science planning, research and evaluation. It is also tied with health

professional researches on the publics health status (CSUF, 2014).

Health Science Practicum 494 and Internship in Health Science 495 are
internship classes that allow students to explore careers in the Health Science

III.

field as they are required to meet some hours. (CSUF, 2014).

Conventions of Genre

The image above is an actual patient chart. It demonstrates the writing style of the
treatments, the communication between the provider and the patient and any changes

on the medical history. The writing style follows a step-by-step procedural pattern of
complaint, recommendation and treatment. The dates are in a chronological order.
The image also includes the materials used, abbreviations, future appointments as
well as patient payments. In general, a patient chart consists of medical alerts, vital
signs, diagnosis, treatment plans and other special notes about the patient. According
to J.C. Tompkins, Eden Tompkins and Elizabeth Angeli, the three important factors in
writing as a professional health care provider are precision, objective, and critical
audience (Purdue OWL, 2014).
IV.

Survey Questions
The survey questions indicate that knowing how to properly write a patient chart
would help the students understand their work fields better. On November 10, 2014,
Dr. Brian Shimizu, DDS emphasizes, You have to be clear on what you write about
because the next person who reads the chart need to understand the entire picture,
what has been done and what is next. Writing on a patient chart is critical because
whatever is written may go back to you. It is essential because it is the main source
of communication among the health care providers, clinical staff and patients.

References
California State University, Fullerton. (2013, May). 2013-2015 University catalog. Fullerton,
CA: Titan Shops
Cohen, H. (2014). How to write a patient case report, 63. Retrieved from
http://www.ajhp.org/content/63/19/1888.full.pdf+html
Tompkins, J.C., Tompkins, E., & Angeli, E. (2014, November 18). Writing as a professional
nurse. Retrieved from https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/922/