July 2023 Blog

Shaun Price, ED Consultant at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

Revolutionising Healthcare: My Journey in EPR Procurement

I’m excited to share my experiences and insights regarding the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and the procurement process I have been a part of in this blog on the EPR Hub. As a Consultant in the Emergency Department (ED) at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, I've been actively involved with improving our department's digital system for some time. Join me as I recount my journey and highlight the transformative impact the EPR will have on patient care and safety.

From the early stages of my career as a Junior Doctor to my current role as a Consultant, my passion for enhancing healthcare systems has driven me forward. Even before the EPR initiative began, I always sought ways to improve our existing ED system. I constantly explored ways to add functionality and efficiency to our patient tracker, such as incorporating electronic note writing and generating automatic letters to improve communication with GPs. These endeavours were an integral part of my job, fuelled by my genuine interest in providing the best possible care to patients.

When the hospital considered implementing an EPR system several years ago, I eagerly stepped up to ensure that the solution would address the unique needs of the ED. My involvement in the current procurement process stemmed from the belief that decisions affecting our department should be made in collaboration, rather than being imposed upon us. I became tenacious when it came to addressing IT system issues and found myself becoming a strong advocate for finding solutions. These factors contributed to my recognition within the organisation as someone who could effectively navigate and champion the implementation of new technologies whilst listening and supporting colleagues.

As a first point of contact for many patients in the healthcare system, the ED plays a vital role in gathering and assessing information swiftly to make time-sensitive decisions. It is essential to have comprehensive and immediate access to patient data from various sources. Without this crucial information, healthcare providers are left to make educated guesses, which can be unsettling for patients and their families. The EPR will give us that instant access to up-to-date information and will allow seamless sharing of patient information across different healthcare facilities, enabling healthcare providers to access complete medical histories. This comprehensive knowledge will facilitate better decision-making and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

The prospect of implementing the EPR fills me with excitement, particularly when I envision the positive impact it will have on patients across our entire region. It is no longer solely about having access to information for my own department; it is about ensuring that patients receive consistent care regardless of their location. When a patient moves between hospitals within our region, their complete medical records will be readily available. We will be able to provide continuity of care and avoid making assumptions or incorrect decisions. The implementation of the EPR promises safety and cohesion across the region, resulting in improved patient experiences and outcomes.

I have a couple of examples to share where I think the EPR can clearly help improve patient care – here are two scenarios which many clinicians will be able to relate to.

• A patient presents with an unusual ECG reading but I currently don’t have access to their notes to see if there are any previous ECG readings I can compare to. The EPR would give me instant access to such historic data giving me a holistic view of their health history which would inform my decisions today.
• A patient with a long-term health condition and care plan is visiting another part of the area on holiday and needs urgent medical assistance. The local hospital isn’t their regular place of care so staff can’t quickly access the care plan meaning a delay in providing the best care. With the EPR, the three acute hospitals will share patient records on the one system meaning staff can have instant access to information such as care plans and historic notes and offer quicker treatments.

I recently took part in the EPR procurement process along with colleagues from all three acute hospitals with a mixture of job roles and experience between us. We engaged in virtual and physical site visits, gathering insights from a diverse group of staff using different EPR systems, including international experts. These visits provided invaluable information and perspectives and it was amazing to meet so many people along the way. The site visits included us speaking to administrative and clerical staff, alongside clinical staff, and it was very helpful hearing their perspectives which is crucial for us to create a comprehensive and effective EPR system.

One of the biggest changes I’m looking forward to is the transition from handwritten notes to electronically accessible, auditable, and accurate medical records which will enhance data quality and improve patient safety. With access to legible and complete medical records, staff can make well-informed decisions and avoid errors caused by missing or illegible information.

To my fellow clinicians embarking on the EPR journey, I want to offer assurance that you will not be left alone. Adequate support and guidance will be provided every step of the way on our EPR journey. The transition to the EPR is a significant change, and it is essential to recognise its complexity and the impact it will have on established clinical and administrative practices. Rushing the process or withdrawing support before we are all established is not the approach we will be taking in Norfolk and Waveney. Instead, we will work together, supporting each other throughout the transition and beyond. Some departments may take longer to adapt, and that is perfectly acceptable. Our focus will be on providing the necessary support, guidance, and understanding to ensure a successful transition for all.

Reflecting on my involvement in the EPR procurement process, I am excited about the potential it holds for revolutionising the care we provide for our patients and their families in our hospitals. The implementation of the EPR will empower staff with comprehensive patient information, improve collaboration among different departments, and enhance patient safety and outcomes. By embracing collaboration, engaging stakeholders from all areas of the hospital, and prioritising patient needs, we are going to build a system that truly puts patients first. The journey towards EPR implementation may have its challenges, but with a supportive and collaborative approach, we can shape the future of healthcare for the better.