Embracing an alternative approach to digital transformation: A faster and more efficient path to EPR implementation

By Rachael Fox , EVP Altera Digital Health (UK & EMEA)

The frontline digitisation programme initiated by NHS England in 2021 aimed to empower all trusts with a minimum level of digital capability, including electronic patient records (EPR).

However, with the latest annual report from the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA) stating that the programme's delivery confidence has been downgraded with reduced funding and slow progress, is it time for NHS trusts to consider an alternative approach to EPR implementation and reevaluate the traditional model for digital transformation?

The challenges of traditional EPR implementation

As evident from the IPA's report, the traditional EPR implementation model has encountered significant challenges, including:

• Budget constraints: The frontline digitisation programme faced a ￡700M budget cut, limiting the ability of trusts to invest adequately in digital transformation.
• Slow progress: The original target of 90% of trusts with an EPR by the end of 2023 seemed ambitious but was far from realised. By June 2022, only 20% of trusts had met the required EPR standards.
• Disruption to patient care: The disruptive nature of the traditional implementation model can be harmful to patients and healthcare providers, creating additional challenges during the transformation process.

An alternative approach: Faster, flexible and clinically driven

From my experience working with the NHS, I believe it is essential to embrace an alternative approach that offers a faster, flexible and clinically driven roadmap to digital maturity.

Trusts don’t need to rip-and-replace solutions they may have already invested in. Concentrating resources on implementing the strategic components that will deliver the greatest value can deliver key functionality and efficiencies faster, instead of going for a one-size-fits-all solution. This is not only more cost-effective, but it also takes a significant pressure off the organisation in terms of deployment effort and change. Additionally, a modular EPR system provides flexibility for future enhancements and integrations, ensuring the solution can evolve with changing requirements.

Adopting such modular solutions can accelerate EPR deployments and drive positive change without exhausting budgets or taking years to see the benefits, including the following:

• Rapid implementation: This enables trusts to implement EPR functionalities incrementally, enabling a faster rollout. This approach reduces cost, disruption and quickly provides tangible benefits to both patients and healthcare professionals.
• Cost-effective: Trusts can allocate their budgets more efficiently, investing in specific functionalities as needed. This cost-effective approach ensures optimal use of available resources and means that systems can be procured without central funding.
• Clinically driven customisation: These types of solution can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each trust or ICS. Clinical teams can actively participate in the development process, ensuring that the EPR system aligns with their workflows and requirements.
• Seamless integration: Unlike the traditional one-size-fits-all approach, modular solutions seamlessly integrate with existing healthcare infrastructures, reducing compatibility challenges and streamlining the implementation process.

The road ahead for better patient care

As the frontline digitisation programme faces setbacks and budget constraints, we believe it is time to consider an alternative approach to digital transformation. We are passionate about delivering technology that genuinely makes a difference to patients and clinicians and we are excited by the opportunity to help more NHS organisations accelerate their digital maturity and bring in changes that transform patient care and make life better for frontline staff, without exhausting budgets or taking years to realise benefits.

To learn more about the Altera approach, please click here.