The impact of electronic patient records on workflow in general practice

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Cauldwell, M., Beattie, C., Cox, B., Denby, W., Ede-Golightly, J., Linton, F. The impact of electronic patient records on workflow in general practice.

Introduction/Background:

Patients Access to Electronic Healthcare Records Systems (PAERS) was developed in response to recent legislation in the NHS facilitating electronic access to healthcare records. Much of the published literature describes the potential clinical and administrative benefits of electronic patient records (EPR) but recognizes the need to specifically address the potential impact of EPR on workflow by providing “clear evidence of timesaving and improved service delivery”.

Objective:

To identify the impact of PAERS on patient registration time and clinical consultation time.

Methods:

Questionnaires were completed at both sites.

The authors utilized quantitative measurements of the length of time taken by patients to register at two surgery practices with similar patient demographics. The South Lewisham Group Practice utilized a manual process. The Wells Park Practice utilized both the PAERS system as well as a manual process.

Quantitative measures of the total consultation time were assessed at both practices.

Structured interviews were conducted to explore whether each group perceived a change in workflow arising from the introduction (or potential introduction) of PAERS.

Results: