Academics at the University of Brighton have been working in partnership with staff, patients and carers at the Sussex Kidney Unit (Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust) and associated dialysis units. Together we have developed a collaborative approach to evaluating the implementation and ongoing use of an electronic patient record (EPR) system. The challenges of carrying out a successful EPR implementation and producing an evidence-based evaluation of its contribution to patient–centred care are well-documented. Our primary aims in this evaluation have been: to look at what is meant by patient-centred care; to discover what methods support the documentation of realised benefits; and to understand how these methods can contribute to successful EPR implementation and ongoing use.
We have found that encouraging staff and patients to reflect on those service improvements that matter to them, 'in practice' – i.e. in their own day-to-day experience of care – acts as a powerful catalyst for developing collective capability in EPR system learning and innovation. This innovative 'practice-centred' approach emphasises the importance of learning, reflection and the development of EPR evaluation and research skills among both staff and patients.
Using participatory methods and working in collaboration with patients, carers, clinical leaders, clinical practitioners, administrators and health IT professionals, our aim is to build internal interest and research capability in EPR evaluation. We believe that these capabilities create a strong foundation for the transformation in information use that Trust-wide EPR implementations will bring. The university is seeking to support the ongoing development of EPR evaluation capabilities within a practice oriented programme of education which will support and underline the importance of quality of care, patient safety and efficiency in this new era of health informatics.
Project links
Patient Record Enhancement Programme – http://prep.sussex.ac.uk/
Strategic Health Authority South East Coast – www.southofengland.nhs.uk/
Department of Health – www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/engagement/public/reps
