Integrated Electronic Patient Record System in the UK - Dissertation Example

This system provides accessibility and flexibility advantages for both medical personnel and patients; it improves information management and communications and ultimately improves patient care. On the other hand, there are issues concerning the privacy and security of patient information, and its development is very costly and an administrative burden. Moreover, there are still concerns over patient safety. The development of an IEPRS in the UK began in 2002, but the project was beset by continual delays due to the enormity and complexity of the task and escalating costs.

In the end, it was abandoned in September 2010. The focus of the investigation thus turned to the experiences of its implementation at local NHS Trusts. Recommendations are also discussed to ensure the effectiveness of an IEPRS by addressing the concerns. An analytical research method was then adopted to further examine the implementation of an IEPRS in the UK. Its findings are discussed and conclusions are drawn followed by the researcher's own recommendations. Keywords: medical records, medical information, Integrated Electronic Patient Record System, medical information security, medical information management Table of Contents Section1: Introduction 5 Purpose of the study 5 The UK’s Integrated Electronic Patient Record System 5 Issues related to the implementation of an IEPRS 7 Research Objectives 8 Section 2: Research Methodology and Approach 10 Adopted method of research 10 Justification for the adopted method 11 Limitations 13 Section 3: Literature Review 14 Benefits of an IEPRS 14 General benefits 14 Range, access and flexibility 14 Improved information management 15 Improved communications and patient care 16 Barriers and Issues 16 General risks 16 Privacy and security 17 Information suitability, flexibility and accessibility 17 Financial barriers 18 Administrative burden 19 Patient safety 20 Other concerns 21 Summary of challenges 21 Impact of an IEPRS implementation 22 NHS’ abandonment of the system 22 Continuation of the implementation at local levels 22 EPR systems in practice 24 EPR system guidelines 25 Elements of the security of patient records 29 Recommendations for an effective IEPRS 30 Raising awareness 30 Promoting involvement 30 Accessibility 30 Information management 30 Information security 31 Ensuring patient safety 35 Remaining concerns 37 Section 4: Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations 39 References 44 CARAT Completeness, Accuracy, Relevance, Accessibility, Timeliness DCR Detailed Care Record DoH Department of Health DPA Data Protection Act EDMS Electronic Document Management Software EMR Electronic Medical Record EPRS Electronic Patient Record System ERDIP Electronic Record Development and Implementation Project FOI Freedom of Information HCHC House of Commons Health Committee HCP Health Care Practitioner (or Provider) HIS Health Information System IEPRS Integrated Electronic Patient Record System IMS Information Management System IT Information Technology LOD Limit of Detection LOQ Limit of Quantitation NAST National Association for Science and Technology NCRS NHS Care Records Service NHS National Health Service (UK) NIGB National Information Governance Board NPfIT National Programme for Information Technology NPSA National Patient Safety Agency PAS Patient Administration System PDS Personal Demographics Service RCGP Royal College of General Practitioners SCR Summary Care Record SUS Secondary Uses Service Project proposal An Examination of the Benefits, Issues and Impact of Implementing the Integrated Electronic Patient Record System in the UK.