Estimated study time: 8 minutes

Learning objective: Use concise annotation to make evidence easy to understand while protecting confidential information.

Annotation directs the reader to what matters. A screenshot, graph, audit table, result or form may be difficult to interpret without context. Use arrows, numbered callouts or short comments to identify the decision point, relevant result, applicable procedure, your contribution and the link to the standard.

• Explain what the reviewer should notice.
• Label where your action or decision appears.
• Identify the local SOP, guideline or reference used.
• State what information was removed or anonymised.
• Use a key if several numbered callouts are present.
• Keep annotation short enough that the original evidence remains readable.

Anonymisation is more than deleting a patient name. Check identifiers in titles, file names, headers, footers, barcodes, screenshots, accession numbers, comments and document properties. Follow the local confidentiality and information-governance policy before saving or uploading any material.

Learner activity

Take a non-confidential sample image or blank form and add three numbered annotations: what to notice, why it matters and which source or procedure supports the action.

Key points

• Annotation should guide, not obscure.
• Check all visible and hidden identifiers.
• Follow local permission and information-governance requirements.