In today’s health and care landscape, Digital Health IT systems play a pivotal role in patient and person care. From Electronic Person Records to advanced diagnostic tools, technology is integral to modern medicine. However, the increasing reliance on these systems also introduces significant risks that can impact patient/person safety. A recent article published by BBC News (NHS Computer Issues Linked to Patient Harm) outlined how IT systems within the NHS have been linked to significant patient/person harm. Issues such as missed appointments, medication not taken due to letters not being sent on time or sent to the wrong person, incorrect patient/person information leading to wrong names being placed on theatre lists, medication errors, and unfortunately, needless fatalities, were highlighted.
Clinical Safety Standards: DCB0129 and DCB0160
In England, Clinical Safety standards such as the DCB0129 and DCB0160 are essential to ensure patient/person safety in the context of Health and Care Digital Health IT. DCB0129 sets out the Clinical Risk Management requirements for manufacturers of Digital Health IT systems, while DCB0160 applies to health and care organisations implementing these systems. Adhering to these standards provides guidelines and best practices for the safe implementation and use of Digital Health solutions in health and care.
The Role of Clinical Governance
Clinical Governance refers to the systematic approach to maintaining and improving the quality of patient/person care within a health and care system. It encompasses various components, including Clinical/Risk Management and Audit. When it comes to Digital Health systems, Clinical Governance plays a crucial role in ensuring that technological advancements do not compromise patient/person safety and ‘First, Do No Harm.’
Reported Incidents in the UK
Several incidents in the UK have highlighted the potential dangers of Digital Health IT systems:
- NHS Blood Test Delays (2021): A major IT glitch in NHS systems caused delays in blood tests, leading to postponed surgeries and missed diagnoses. This incident was reported by The Guardian.
- Missed Appointments Scandal in Newcastle (2023): Thousands of patient/person appointments were missed in Newcastle and other locations due to IT system failures. These failures led to significant delays in treatment and care, with ITV News and other sources reporting the widespread impact on patient/person safety.
- A well-known EPR System Failures (2018): The electronic patient/person record system experienced multiple failures, leading to lost patient/person records and appointment scheduling issues, as reported by Computer Weekly.
Solutions to Mitigate Risks
To address the challenges posed by Digital Health IT systems, several solutions can be implemented:
- Rigorous Adherence to Clinical Safety Standards: Ensuring compliance with DCB0129 and DCB0160 standards is crucial. These standards provide a framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with Digital Health IT systems. By adhering to these standards, health and care organisations can enhance patient/person safety and minimis e errors.
- Comprehensive Training and Education: Providing extensive training and education for health and care staff on the use of Digital Health IT systems is vital. This includes understanding the functionalities of the systems, recognising potential risks, and knowing how to respond to IT failures. Continuous professional development programmes can keep staff updated on best practices and new advancements.
- Robust Clinical Governance Framework: Implementing a robust clinical governance framework ensures that there is a systematic approach to maintaining and improving patient/person care quality. This includes regular audits, risk assessments, and the establishment of clear protocols for managing Digital Health IT system failures.
- Effective Communication Channels: Establishing clear and efficient communication channels between IT departments, clinical staff, and patients/persons can help quickly identify and resolve issues. This includes real-time reporting of problems, regular updates on system changes, and transparent communication with patients/persons about any potential impacts on their care.
Conclusion
The integration of Digital Health IT in Health and Care offers tremendous potential for improving patient/person outcomes and operational efficiency. However, it also poses significant risks that must be carefully managed through effective clinical governance and adherence to Clinical Safety standards such as DCB0129 and DCB0160. By recognising these challenges and implementing robust policies, procedures, and organisational structures, we can harness the power of Digital Health IT while ensuring the highest standards of patient/person safety.
In an era where technology is rapidly advancing, maintaining a vigilant and pro-active approach to patient/person safety is more crucial than ever. As health and care providers, policymakers, and patients/persons, we must work together to navigate this complex landscape, ensuring that the benefits of Digital Health IT in Health and Care far outweigh the risks.
