Implementation of electronic patient clinical records in ambulances in the UK: a national survey.

Williams, Victoria; LaFlamme-Williams, Yvette; McNee, Katie; Morgan, Heather; Morrison, Zoe; Potts, Henry W.W.; Shaw, Debbie; Siriwardena, Niro; Snook, Helen; Spaight, Rob; Porter, Alison

Abstract

Background: The roll-out of electronic Patient Clinical Records (ePCR) across UK ambulance services has been an important aspect of modernisation. Electronic Records in Ambulances (ERA) is a two-year study which aims to describe the opportunities and challenges of implementing ePCR and associated technology in emergency ambulances. Our study includes a baseline survey of progress implementing ePCR in all UK ambulance services providing a snapshot of current usage. Methods: We carried out semi-structured telephone interviews with information managers in each ambulance service in the UK. We asked them about the systems in use, the process and current stage of implementation and explored the perceived value of using ePCR. If services did not use ePCR we asked about plans for future introduction. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed, by three members of the research team. Results: We completed interviews with 22 managers from 13 services. Implementation varied across the UK. Seven services were using electronic records. Four services had adopted electronic records but, at the time of interview, had reverted to paper with the intention of implementing a new ePCR. Two services still used paper but hoped to move to ePCR in the future. Those who had fully implemented ePCR reported mixed success in terms of staff compliance, and in realising the potential benefits offered by ePCR to link with primary and secondary care.

Citation

WILLIAMS, V., LAFLAMME-WILLIAMS, Y., MCNEE, K., MORGAN, H., MORRISON, Z., POTTS, H.W.W., SHAW, D., SIRIWARDENA, N., SNOOK, H., SPAIGHT, R. and PORTER, A. 2018. Implementation of electronic patient clinical records in ambulances in the UK: a national survey. Presented at the 2018 999 EMS research forum, 26-27 March 2018, Stirling, UK.

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: 2018 999 EMS research forum: research for impace in 999 emergency care
• Start Date: Mar 26, 2018
• End Date: Mar 27, 2018
• Deposit Date: Sep 14, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 13, 2020
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2019-999.18
• Keywords: Patient clinical records; Ambulance services; United Kingdom; Electronic records in ambulances (ERA)
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/966552
• Additional Information: Abstract published as:; WILLIAMS, V., LAFLAMME-WILLIAMS, Y., MCNEE, K., MORGAN, H., MORRISON, Z., POTTS, H.W.W., SHAW, D., SIRIWARDENA, N., SNOOK, H., SPAIGHT, R. and PORTER, A. 2019. Implementation of electronic patient clinical records in ambulances in the UK: a national survey. Emergency medicine journal [online], 36(1): abstracts from 2018 999 EMS research forum, 26-27 March 2018, Stirling, UK, pages e7-e8. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/emermed-2019-999.18