Putting patient safety at the heart of the design, development and rollout of electronic patient record systems is essential to prevent harm, says charity

Patient safety must be central to the design, development and rollout of electronic patient record (EPR) systems, says Patient Safety Learning.

An EPR system brings together different patient information in one place, making it easier to access for healthcare professionals. This information can include patients’ own notes, test results, observations by a range of different clinicians and prescribed medications.

When safely implemented, EPR systems can help to support and improve care and treatment. However, in recent years there has been growing awareness of the significant patient safety risks also associated with their implementation and use.

In a new report, Patient Safety Learning makes the case that patient safety can, and must, be put firmly at the heart of the design, development and rollout of EPR systems.

Drawing on examples from the NHS and the findings of an expert roundtable, the report sets out the key patient safety risks associated with choosing and introducing new EPR systems. It identifies ten principles to consider for safer EPR system implementation.

Commenting on the report, Patient Safety Learning Chief Executive Helen Hughes said:

“EPR systems have significant potential to improve patient care and treatment. However, we are increasingly seeing cases where poor implementation of these new systems results in direct and indirect harm to patients. If we are to fully realise their benefits, patient safety must be at the heart of their design, development and rollout.

To ensure the safety of EPR systems, it is vital that patient safety incidents associated with them are reported and acted upon. We need more transparency in reporting and sharing knowledge, of both errors and examples of good practice.

We hope that this report can kick off an informed and transparent debate about these issues, leading to action that supports the safer implementation of EPR systems and reduces avoidable harm.”

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Source: Patient Safety Learning, 31 July 2024