The implementation of electronic patient records (EPRs) stands as a pivotal milestone for NHS trusts’ digital transformations and digital maturity journeys. However, amidst the excitement of modernisation, one crucial aspect often overlooked: the seamless continuation of statutory reporting.

Statutory reporting involves submission of various financial and performance related reports by trusts to regulatory bodies such as the Department of Health, which are essential for monitoring compliance, financial health and performance.

This was recently acknowledged by NHS England when it wrote to health service leaders reminding them of their requirement to submit nationally mandated returns during their EPR implementations.

A recent article from Digital Health shed light on the challenges faced during the go-live of EPRs at a number of trusts that were unable to provide statutory reporting during this time and in some cases for many months afterwards.

Drawing on my extensive 25 years of experience in the NHS, notably as a CDIO across four NHS trusts, I know how crucial it is to maintain statutory reporting. A common pitfall is the simultaneous replacement of Patient Administration Systems (PAS) alongside clinical systems during traditional rip-and-replace approaches. This approach often leads to disruptions in statutory reporting, posing unnecessary risks to critical healthcare delivery and data management.

The benefits of a modular approach

My work directly with NHS trusts highlights the importance in choosing the right method for implementation, and the benefits in opting for a modular approach over the conventional big-bang method. Although the latter remains prevalent, the former is gaining traction for its ability to minimise disruptions and help NHS trusts quickly realise benefits, for both patients and clinicians, as we have seen at Medway NHS Foundation Trust and Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.

Amidst soaring waiting lists, the need for robust statutory reporting becomes even more pressing. As well as against the backdrop of reduced funding and other competing digital priorities for healthcare leaders, these reports are crucial for informed decision-making, resource allocation and monitoring healthcare outcomes. Such measures include referral information and national targets such as Referral to Treatment Time (RTT) waiting time targets, including those close to and those referrals that have breached.

What I have learnt in my three EPR implementations as an NHS CDIO, is that a PAS-last approach can ensure the rapid delivery of clinical benefits while continuing to provide national reporting. Further, it avoids unnecessary disruption to patient care, which is critical.

Considering these insights, why risk dismantling your administrative platform and risk operational disruption for no gain? Especially when you don’t need to?

A modular deployment strategy has proven highly effective by enabling incremental implementation and iterative improvements. This approach minimises risks, facilitates smoother transitions and ensures uninterrupted access to critical data for statutory reporting.

A strategic approach to EPR deployment

A modular deployment strategy has proven highly effective by enabling incremental implementation and iterative improvements. This approach minimises risks, facilitates smoother transitions and ensures uninterrupted access to critical data for statutory reporting.

While the journey towards EPR implementation may present challenges, the preservation of statutory reporting is possible by adopting a PAS last approach and taking a phased approach. Take it one thing at a time. At the beginning, allow yourself to focus on delivering clinical benefits for patients and clinicians and make this a non-negotiable; maintain reliable and safe care and avoid unnecessary disruption.

With the right approach, informed by experiences like mine and from other CDIOs, healthcare organisations may help others navigate the complexities of EPR deployment successfully.

To learn more about Altera’s approach, please click here.