Tip of the week: Take minutes that capture the meaning of meeting conversations

Meeting minutes must be recorded accurately because when everyone leaves at the end of the meeting, each person may have a different interpretation of the topics discussed and what, or if, any conclusion was reached on those topics. The minutes should be succinct and summarize the important content of the discussions. They should also outline major points of the presentation, discussion, conclusions, recommendations, and follow up, as applicable. 

Taking minutes can be a challenge. Short hand is not a requisite skill because shorthand usually focuses on the minute-taker’s attention on the speaker’s exact words rather than the meaning of the discussion. Minutes should not be a verbatim record of the discussion, and avoid the temptation to audio record meetings, as it may discourage open and productive discussion. 

This week’s tip is adapted from Assessing your Medical Staff Office: Tools for Productivity by Beverly E. Pybus, CPMSM and Nancy Lian, CPCS, CPMSM.