Healthcare digitization in UK: Challenges and Solutions for EPR Integration
David Starkings
Digital Adoption | Content Creation for Change | Bridging the Gap Between Humans & Tech | Technology Adoption Consultant
In many sectors, digitization has already transformed the way businesses operate—think finance, retail, and manufacturing. These industries have seen dramatic gains in efficiency, customer satisfaction and data utilisation. But the healthcare sector, which arguably has the most to gain from digital transformation, has lagged behind. The stakes are high: delays, inefficiencies and errors in healthcare don’t just impact the bottom line—they impact lives. To address these concerns, the UK government tasked NHS with the target of full adoption of electronic patient records (EPRs) across all the Trusts.?
What are Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) and why are they so important???
Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) are the modern answer to dusty, old paper files, offering a more efficient digital solution for managing patient data. They provide a clear, unified snapshot of a patient’s history, treatments, and medications, accessible to healthcare professionals across various departments and settings. For patients, this means faster, more accurate care; for healthcare systems, it means better resource management and data-driven insights.??
The NHS’s journey towards comprehensive EPR adoption is well underway, with a diverse range of systems being implemented across its Trusts. These systems, designed to replace outdated paper records, vary significantly in their coverage across the UK population. For instance:?
Yet, as of May 2024, 6.6 million UK patients are under Trusts that haven’t yet implemented a system for fully digitizing patient records. While patients may not directly notice this, the absence of such systems can lead to inefficiencies in care coordination, slower access to medical information, and potential delays in treatment (Source: Paul Brown).?
EPR implementation in the NHS – 2024 status?
The NHS has made impressive headway in implementing EPRs across its Trusts, with 90% already on board. The goal is to reach 95% by March 2025 (according to UKAuthority.com), reflecting a nationwide push to modernise the healthcare system, which translates to an improvement in patient outcomes and a better assessment of treatment options. But here’s the catch, achieving full EPR adoption across the NHS isn’t just about implementing the system itself—the real challenge lies in ensuring that the systems are used effectively and consistently across the board.?
In a recent interview, Alison MacDonald from Nordic Consulting pointed out that the UK EPR market won’t be dominated by a single system. Instead, we’ll likely see a consolidation, with more organisations aligning their systems across Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). While many NHS Trusts have implemented EPRs, full functionality remains elusive for some. The future will be all about optimising these systems, improving data quality and exploring innovative uses of cloud-based data to drive clinical solutions forward.?
It’s about people, not tech?
Given the stress that nearly half of NHS staff experience with digital technology, it's clear that the push for digital transformation isn't just about implementing new systems—it's about ensuring these systems truly meet the needs of healthcare professionals. How can we bridge the gap between technological potential and practical functionality? How do we ensure that innovation doesn't become another burden for already overworked staff??
To address these challenges, it's essential to consider solutions that not only integrate smoothly with existing systems but also prioritise user experience and ease of adoption. For example, digital adoption platforms like tts performance suite provide real-time, contextual guidance that reduces the learning curve and alleviates the frustration associated with new technologies.??
In this context, adopting a thoughtful approach to digital transformation—one that involves end users in the design and implementation of tools—can make a significant difference. Digital adoption solutions that streamline training, enhance user experience, and provide ongoing support are vital to achieving the NHS's digital goals without adding to staff stress.?
One solution that ticks these boxes is the tts performance suite, offering a smarter path to achieving the digital aspirations of healthcare organisations.??
Tackling EPR Implementation with tts performance suite?
EPRs are vital to modern healthcare, but their successful implementation hinges on minimising disruptions during the transition and reducing cognitive load for the users. tts performance suite offers a highly customisable and adaptable solution, with step-by-step guidance and contextual support to help staff adapt quickly and efficiently. This reduces delays in reporting, improves compliance and ensures smoother overall adoption, making the implementation of EPR systems not just a goal, but a reality.?
How we help companies from the healthcare industry?
Novicare?
When Novicare, an independent provider of medical and paramedical services from Netherlands, implemented a new electronic patient record system, their primary goal was to ensure that the medical staff could adapt to it as quickly as possible. To achieve this, they decided to implement tts performance suite for integrating eLearning content creation, management and performance support.?
领英推荐
“We chose tts because we needed a simple, accessible solution for both end users and administrators. The personal project approach, high-quality consultation, and low total cost of ownership were key factors in our decision. Now that the implementation is completed, we’re sure we made the right choice!”?
Together we developed a comprehensive system that kept software updates, learning modules and support content aligned. This included creating a new web portal, guided training and administrative training to offer flexible accessibility for users. Additionally, context-sensitive, step-by-step guides were developed, making it easy for the customer’s experts to create their own eLearning courses. This approach delivered two key benefits:?
ePA-CC?
To ensure healthcare staff could quickly and effectively use their epa system, ePA-CC, a company focused on the implementation of innovative digital solutions for healthcare patient assessment and care documentation, partnered with tts to develop a comprehensive eLearning course. This web-based training (WBT) program simplified complex content through scenario-based learning, practical illustrations, and professional narration.
"Together with tts, we developed a fantastic eLearning course to break new ground in the training of care staff. It offers a great alternative and supplement to in-house training courses."????
The impact has been significant, with over 210,000 users across 800 facilities now utilising the epaAC product.?
LEP?
LEP, a company focused on recording and mapping health care services in German-speaking countries, was seeking a structured digital training solution to quickly familiarise hospital personnel with the LEP (service recording in the care sector) method, ensuring efficient knowledge transfer without the need for on-site training. Recognising the growing trend of hospitals adopting learning platforms, LEP partnered with tts to develop a user-friendly, visually appealing web-based training (WBT) program.?
Available in German, French, and English, the WBT provided comprehensive support to learners, helping them master the LEP method across various healthcare institutions. Marcel Welzbacher , Sales and Consulting at LEP AG, highlighted its impact:
"The WBT has a clear didactic structure, and is a huge leap forward in terms of the quality of service data recording and documentation. That’s why it is proving so popular – both in our own team and with our customers."?
The flexibility of the eLearning solution proved invaluable, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing uninterrupted training despite restrictions and staff shortages. The WBT not only ensures high-quality documentation but also opens up new opportunities for analysis, forecasting, and benchmarking within hospitals.??
Better digital systems = Better patient care. The 3-step checklist with tts performance suite
Enhancing User Experience and Training?
For healthcare staff, navigating digital systems should be as intuitive as a well-worn path, not a daily struggle. Solutions for accelerating digital transformation in the healthcare sector like tts performance suite steps in transform the user experience with interfaces that feel natural and integrate seamlessly into the systems they already use. What sets it apart is its approach to training: modules are embedded directly into workflows, allowing healthcare professionals to build essential digital skills at their own pace, without disrupting patient care. This thoughtful integration not only closes the digital literacy gap but also minimises downtime and stress, ultimately empowering staff to focus on what truly matters—providing excellent patient care. ?
Leveraging Data for Continuous Improvement?
Healthcare organisations often struggle to pinpoint exactly where digital systems are falling short, leading to inefficiencies that impact patient care. What’s missing is the ability to harness data effectively. By tracking how systems are used, organisations can use tts performance suite to identify gaps, fine-tune their technology and make decisions grounded in real-world data. This continuous feedback loop isn’t just about tweaking systems—it’s about creating a responsive environment that evolves with the needs of healthcare professionals, ultimately driving better patient outcomes.?
Facilitating Change Management and Collaboration?
Digital transformation is only as strong as the people behind it, and getting staff on board is key. The real magic happens when healthcare professionals are involved in shaping the very tools they’ll use. By accommodating diverse workflows and fostering collaboration across departments and languages, barriers break down, making communication smoother. The outcome? Less time wrestling with tech, more time caring for patients, and ultimately, better outcomes across the board.??
Conclusion?
In the healthcare sector, going digital has become a lifeline and making efforts to move towards systems like EPRs reshapes the way care is being managed and delivered.?
As we step into this digital future, the focus remains on one thing: improving patient care. Because at the end of the day, a more digitalised and well put together healthcare system isn't just better for the organisation—it's essential for the well-being of each and every one of us.?
Let's have a chat!
Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for the latest insights on digital adoption, learning & development and savvy training strategies.
?