Changing the record
Electronic patient record (EPR) systems could contribute to the risk of poor patient care, a new study has revealed. The Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB) carried out a review of investigation reports linked to the software used to collect and store data about individuals.
EPR systems are designed to support safety and efficiency and are widely used in the NHS. However, the review found they “could contribute to the risks of patient care being missed, delayed or incorrect”.
It highlighted problems around ensuring systems met an organisation’s requirements and a lack of understanding of usability, functionality and capabilities. There were issues connected to the implementation of the systems, including potential risks not being identified and a lack of training. And staff had reported “limited routes for raising concerns and poor functionality and usability of EPR systems”.
The HSSIB review also listed a string of questions for organisations to help them optimise and safely implement EPR systems. It added: “The findings of this report are highly relevant at a time when the NHS long-term plan is looking to digitisation to address several quality issues facing healthcare, including with efficiency and patient experience. HSSIB’s investigations demonstrate the widespread use of EPR systems but also the persistent EPR-related patient safety system issues that exist despite recognition or contributory factors and resulting actions.”
