DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
follows the patient throughout their recovery journey, from A&E to the admissions unit to any specialist ward. The new EPMA, integrated within the comprehensive PAS and EPR systems, facilitates the effective handover of patient information between clinicians, across shifts and between wards, connecting them all. The information can also be used to provide a complete clinical record that can be shared with GPs, with the PDF document accepted into the EMIS and SystmOne systems used in primary care. The roll-out of the EPMA is the most recent phase of a trust-wide adoption of TrakCare, a process that began with the introduction of a new patient administration system (PAS) and electronic patient record (EPR) in 2015.
Ward-level impact
“Nurses play a crucial role in administering and monitoring medicines, a process that’s being improved with TrakCare,” said clinical matron, Claire Ranson.
“It’s definitely reduced the amount of time nurses spend on medication rounds. The real-time record allows all those involved in care to see what’s happening – the nurse, doctors or pharmacist – not just the person holding the piece of paper. It’s making rounds ‘leaner’ with less time spent chasing up paper records across wards, freeing up time for nurses to focus on what’s important – time with patients. Anything that makes life simpler is to be welcomed.
The new EPMA is also playing a crucial role in reducing the risk of prescription and medicine administration error. Digital records
are clear and accessible to all, important in the frenetic and challenging urgent care environment where clinicians will deliver ‘stat doses’ – a drug prescribed outside of a scheduled drug round - rather than full prescriptions.
“It’s really visible from the chart if there are any omissions,” Ranson explained. “They can then be rectified, reducing the risk of any negative impacts.”
The system also enables nurses to contact doctors for information, advice and support when needed. “You can contact a doctor directly from the ward wherever they may be,” noted Dr Vasani. “They can use TrakCare to review records and check medications wherever they are in the hospital.” According to Dr Vasani, the process is saving crucial time, particularly during peak periods when doctors may be in demand or during night shifts when doctors may be working remotely or on other wards. “It’s a significant benefit, clinically,’ he observed.
Challenging implementation
As one of England’s most technologically advanced Trusts, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has made great strides in digital adoption – but any change of this magnitude demands solid support. “Any new technology meets some form of resistance,” said Marie Graham, the project manager leading on the EPMA roll-out. “It’s our role to work closely with all affected by the change to minimise this risk and ensure they’re able to rapidly embrace its benefits. A central part of this is about engaging clinicians and nurses from the start.” The Trust has established a monthly clinical informatics group that discusses all proposed changes in technology. Chaired by the chief clinical information officer (CCIO), this provides a forum to discuss the implementation of new technologies and develop strategies to mitigate any potential negative impact. At a ward level, staff were
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