Technology
Technology role in tackling the backlog
Dr. Constantin Jabarin discusses the role of EPR clinical decision support in tackling the backlog, in light of challenging targets being set by the Government.
Digitisation of processes is common outside of healthcare, which has been slow to catch up, and suffers worrying variation in digital capability. Healthcare providers have a right to expect more from our technology suppliers, especially in light of new, ambitious targets being set by the Government. Recently, these targets have centred around the implementation and proper utilisation of electronic patient records (EPR). A correctly implemented EPR benefits
clinicians by making them more efficient, their workflows more streamlined, and their visibility of their patients clearer. For me, a basic expectation is that clinical decision support (CDS) is also embedded into the EPR. By having this critical clinical information in the system, the right decisions can be made for the right patient at the right time. However, it is not enough to stop there.
From my experience working as a doctor for many years and from my time in industry, I know that clinicians are hungry for technology to do more for them, especially as they face big challenges like the elective waiting lists. Properly implemented, intelligent CDS is one way of satisfying these needs and tackling these challenges, giving EPR a very important role in tackling the backlog.
Making the case for digital clinical decision support Digital CDS can improve patient safety, and boost productivity, while reducing cognitive burden. Automating the process of cross-
referencing national guidelines with patient data means that the right decisions can be made more quickly, and with less variation in outcomes. As a result, this also gives digital CDS a role to play in tackling the backlog. Patients can be moved around the hospital more efficiently, improving patient flow and freeing up bed capacity so more patients can be seen. As such, I welcome the expectation that digital clinical decision support should be “the
Digital clinical decision support can improve patient safety, and boost productivity while reducing cognitive burden. Automating the process of cross-referencing national guidelines with patient data means that the right decisions can be made more quickly, and with less variation in outcomes.
norm”. The centre has set out the “what” needs to be done. As suppliers, it’s our responsibility to execute the “how”. By embedding clinical decision support within the EPR, we can satisfy this expectation much sooner. Just as importantly, by properly embedding this functionality into the EPR, it instantly makes the technology more appealing to end users and can improve the uptake of technology overall. But what has this got to do with the backlog?
For me, when it comes to elective recovery, one of the main reasons that waiting lists are growing is not due to a lack of clinicians, but a lack of beds. On average, people are spending longer in hospital than they should, which often happens as a result of incorrect decision making. We can see this having a worrying impact in areas like A&E, where there are queues of ambulances waiting to admit patients where there is a shortage of beds. By making sure that the most effective decision is made during every clinical interaction, we can reduce the amount of time each patient spends in the
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