The benefits of delivering healthcare in paper-free environments are becoming increasingly apparent. In recent years European healthcare providers, like their American counterparts, are working towards implementation of Electronic Patient Record (EPR) or Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
The European EMR Adoption Model (EMRAM) is an 8-stage framework for evaluating the progress and impact of EMR systems in a European context. Moving from stages 0 to 7 hospitals work through a process of self-audit, identification of suitable software, using software to improve processes and ultimately moving towards a totally paperless medical record environment. To achieve Stage 7, hospitals must no longer use any paper charts, ensure 90% of clinician orders are electronic and that documents are scanned and available for viewing within 72 hours (or 24 hours if critical).
Developed by HIMSS Analytics Europe, the framework already has 2 Stage 7 success stories in Europe – Germany’s University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) in 2011, and Hospital de Dénia Marina Salud Spain in 2012 also as of 2013. The UK Government have targets in placefor NHS Trusts to introduce paper-free record and referral systems by a deadline of 2018.
This Siemens promotional video gives us a glimpse at how EPR has improved patient outcomes, safety and patient and staff satisfaction at UKE in Hamburg.