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Electronic patient record (EPR) systems – thematic review

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Background Intelligence review Summary of investigation Get involved

Background

We have launched a thematic review of HSSIB’s work to date to identify specific patient safety issues and learning related to electronic patient record (EPR) systems.

An EPR is software used to collect, store, access and manage clinical information about an individual patient, in an individual organisation. An EPR may consist of several components including management of a patient’s records, ordering of medicines and tests, and review of results. A single piece of software may provide one, some, or all these components.

Intelligence review

HSSIB has received concerns about EPRs in some settings and identified incidents involving patient harm where EPRs have potentially contributed.

The NHS has ambitions to effectively digitise services with high-quality EPRs in support of care. A well designed and implemented EPR can support safe patient care. However, EPRs may also present risks to patient safety and the ability of organisations to deliver care where they are not designed or implemented effectively.

Summary of investigation

We will undertake a thematic review of published Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch and HSSIB investigation reports, and work in development, to identify new safety learning and answer the following:

  1. What themes have emerged from HSSIB’s work to demonstrate potential patient safety issues with EPRs?
  2. What hazards have HSSIB considered in relation to EPRs?
  3. How have those hazards had the potential to contribute to incidents and harm to patients?
  4. What safety recommendations and observations have HSSIB made to support safety improvements of EPRs?
  5. What have been the responses, to date, from recipients of HSSIB safety recommendations to support improvements in EPRs?

Get involved

We are keen to hear from anybody with an interest in this subject matter. This includes patients, families, carers and health and care professionals who may wish to share their experience. If you would like to speak to us about this work before we publish the final report, please email enquiries@hssib.org.uk.