Introduction:
The adoption of Electronic Patient Records (EPR), Electronic Health Records (EHR), and Electronic Prescribing and Medication Administration (EPMA) systems has become paramount for NHS organisations. With the NHS aiming to deploy EPR systems across all trusts by 2026, ensuring robust clinical governance throughout the project management and system deployment process is imperative to safeguard patient safety while enhancing healthcare delivery.
Importance of Clinical Governance:
Clinical governance in EPR deployment goes beyond mere compliance, it encompasses a comprehensive approach to quality assurance, risk management, and patient safety.
As these systems become increasingly integral to patient care, adhering to clinical safety standards is more critical than ever. It requires a proactive strategy that involves collaboration between clinical and non-clinical teams, with designated Clinical Safety Officer’s (CSO) overseeing the deployment process and working within the project teams.
Role of CSO in EPR Deployment:
The CSO plays a pivotal role in ensuring that clinical governance principles are upheld throughout the EPR deployment journey. Whether in-house or outsourced, the CSO acts as a liaison between stakeholders, ensuring alignment with clinical safety standards and guidelines. They work closely with the organisation and EPR team to facilitate timely receipt of DCB0129 document set from manufacturers and thoroughly review, analysis and provide recommendations.
Hazard Identification and Mitigation:
Clinical governance in EPR deployment is the proactive identification and mitigation of potential hazards. Through collaborative workshops with departments and teams, the CSO facilitates hazard identification sessions to anticipate risks associated with the deployment system and related process. These sessions and recommendations are integrated into project plans, training materials, standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure the deployment does not introduce patient harm.
By appointing a dedicated CSO and fostering collaboration between clinical and non-clinical teams, the trust’s can successfully navigate the complexities of system deployment. Through meticulous hazard identification workshops and adherence to clinical safety standards, they mitigate potential risks and ensured a seamless transition to the new EPR system. As a result, the trust achieve timely deployment without compromising patient safety, setting a precedent for best practice in clinical governance and for future deployments.
Conclusion:
As NHS organisations embark on the journey towards universal EPR adoption by 2026, the significance of clinical governance cannot be overstated. By prioritising patient safety, adhering to clinical safety standards, and appointing qualified CSOs, NHS deployers can navigate the complexities of EPR deployment with confidence. Through collaborative efforts and proactive risk management, they can pave the way for a digital healthcare landscape that prioritises quality, safety, and efficiency.
How we can help?
At Digisafe, we understand the critical importance of assembling a multidisciplinary team equipped with the expertise to ensure successful EPR deployment while prioritising clinical governance and patient safety.
Our team comprises a diverse array of professionals, including experienced Clinical Safety Officers (CSOs), programme and project managers, business analysts, testing and migration leads, and implementation specialists. What sets Digisafe apart is our commitment to including clinical backgrounds from all care environments, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of healthcare workflows and patient needs. Our team includes GPs, nurses, midwives, occupational therapists, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, among others, enabling us to provide tailored solutions that align with the unique requirements of each healthcare setting. With Digisafe, you can trust that your EPR deployment is in capable hands, backed by a team of experts dedicated to clinical governance, safety, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
Are you equipped for your EPR deployment? Please feel free to get in touch for any advice, guidance and outsourced expertise if required.
