The healthcare landscape in Devon is undergoing a significant transformation with the digitalisation of patient records, a move that promises to revolutionize patient care and streamline administrative processes. This ambitious project, deemed a "generational" change, is set to bring all NHS trusts in the county under one electronic patient record (EPR) system by summer, making Devon a pioneer in England.
The Digital Revolution in Healthcare
The adoption of EPIC, an electronic patient record system, by Torbay and South Devon Hospital marks a crucial step towards a fully integrated digital healthcare system in Devon. This move is expected to enhance patient outcomes, improve research capabilities, and facilitate advanced service planning, according to Professor Adrian Harris, the trust's chief medical officer (digital and research).
One of the key advantages of this system is the creation of a single online record for each patient, accessible to all clinicians in the county, including GPs and mental health services. This means that healthcare professionals will have immediate access to a patient's complete medical history, enabling more informed and efficient care.
Patient Experience and Accessibility
The impact of this digital transformation extends beyond healthcare professionals. Patients like Lisa Reynolds, who acts as a medical proxy for her sister, will benefit from having all their medical information in one place. Currently, Lisa receives appointment and consultant letters by post for her sister's care at Torbay, but at the RDE in Exeter, she accesses this information through an app.
The introduction of the My Care app, which links patients to their electronic records, is a game-changer. It provides reminders for appointments, reduces no-shows, and helps patients and their caregivers plan ahead. Lisa's enthusiasm for the app highlights the potential for improved patient engagement and satisfaction.
Clinical Efficiency and Administrative Burden
For clinicians, the new EPR system promises to reduce administrative burdens. As Nicola McMinn, chief nurse for Torbay and South Devon Hospital, explains, clinical staff currently spend a significant amount of time on administrative tasks like handwriting notes and chasing test results. With all relevant information consolidated into one system, clinicians can dedicate more time to direct patient care, improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery.
Challenges and Safeguards
While the benefits of digitalisation are clear, there are challenges to consider. Michael Green, consultant surgeon and chief clinical information officer, highlights the importance of having backup systems in place. He mentions that in the event of a system outage, there are mirrored systems accessible over the internet, and in extreme cases, a temporary switch to paper records.
Additionally, Jacob Lant, chief executive of National Voices, emphasizes the accuracy of patient records. He describes past NHS records as "Swiss cheese," full of holes, which can be a burden for patients with complex medical histories. Ensuring that clinicians and patients have access to accurate and comprehensive records is crucial to the success of this digital transformation.
Regional Differences and Catching Up
Devon's progress in adopting electronic patient records is notable, especially considering that NHS England reported that more than 90% of trusts across England had electronic patient records by 2023. Adel Jones, chief operating officer, attributes the region's delay to a lack of investment, but with significant government investment, Devon is now catching up.
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) will continue to use a different system, ORACLE, which was delayed until June last year. Ella Stracey, the trust's chief strategy officer, emphasized the importance of a safe and smooth implementation, highlighting the trust's selection of ORACLE through a national procurement framework.
Conclusion
The digitalisation of patient records in Devon represents a significant step forward in healthcare efficiency and patient-centric care. While challenges remain, the potential benefits are immense, and with continued investment and careful implementation, Devon's healthcare system is poised to become a model for other regions. As we move towards a more digital future, the lessons learned from Devon's experience will be invaluable.
