Celebrating a successful year of ePCR

Software development can be extremely challenging with endless unknowns. Between prioritising clinical needs, planning release schedules, interacting with multiple teams, driving the product roadmap and writing training plans, we can sometimes lose sight of the ‘why’.  

It has now been 12 months since our ePCR (electronic patient care record) project began. And what a year it has been!  

After a detailed procurement process that lasted over 12 months and attracted interest from eight suppliers and three tenders, we were able to shortlist before finally starting the software configuration process in late August 2020. This involved more than 20 clinicians from across the Trust and 12 five-hour workshops.  

Fast-forward to today and the roll out of iPads and the ePCR across all six regions in the Trust is now complete. What did we achieve?* 

 

 

Was it worth it?  

Dan Phillips, ePCR clinical lead, said: “To roll out new hardware and software across the Trust during a once-in-a-century pandemic and high REAP and surge levels is an extraordinary achievement. Credit goes to all frontline staff who have persisted with device set up, training and embracing the modern technology during challenging times. 

“Even though it is still early days for mid-south Essex and Herts and west Essex, we have seen a twofold increase in the number of electronic patient records being produced after rolling out the iPads.“ 

Cinzia Whyman, emergency department service manager at Lister Hospital, said: "My staff tell me that they see the real potential of using Siren Notification Board. They are looking forward to being able to proactively pre-register patients and have labels and wristbands available for their arrival.” 

Mark Baxter, emergency medical technician based at Babbage Road in Stevenage, said: “Although we have only just gone live in Stevenage, I have been using my iPad for some time to access JRCALC for clinical information as well as Para Pass for training materials. I also use One Note for my studies.  

“I have found it really useful to change the colour filters which makes reading with dyslexia so much easier.” 

*stats correct for October 2021 

Published 4 November 2021