journalføring

Journalføring refers to the systematic recording of information, events, or activities in a journal, log, or other record-keeping system. The practice is used across many fields to create an auditable account of actions, decisions, and observations.

In healthcare, journalføring involves documenting patient encounters, diagnoses, treatments, consent, and follow-up plans. Records must be accurate, timely, legible or machine-readable, and maintain confidentiality. Legal and professional requirements govern who may access records and how long they must be retained. In law enforcement and public administration, journals and incident logs support accountability, transparency, and situational awareness. In research and education, laboratory notebooks and progress journals document methods, data, and conclusions, supporting reproducibility and learning. In business, journal entries are the basis of accounting and financial reporting, coordinating with double-entry bookkeeping and audit trails.

Core principles of journalføring include accuracy, completeness, consistency, traceability, and security. Entries should include date and time, author, and a clear, objective description. Standards and formats—such as controlled vocabularies, coding systems, and electronic health records or enterprise systems—facilitate interoperability and retrieval. Privacy and data protection are integral, with access controls, minimization of sensitive information, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Retention, archival procedures, and governance are essential for long-term usability. Proper journalføring supports accountability, quality assurance, legal compliance, and informed decision-making across organizations.