Dr Tim Ferris, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, shared his reflections on the national direction of travel towards EPR convergence and responded to attendee questions. In breakout groups, attendees also had the chance to discuss with peers the challenges and opportunities of EPR progression at their own trust. Headline reflections from these discussions are captured below:

• Medical and digital landscapes are quickly evolving and so it is important to overcome uncertainty and move forward with digital transformation in a way that doesn’t limit choices in the future.
• Dr Tim Ferris spoke on the two-part national strategy that focuses on managed convergence of electronic patient record systems and ensuring interoperability.
• Discussion highlighted some challenges to achieving this ambition, including:

1. Unclear governance and decision making around consolidation of EPR within an ICS.
2. The diversity of baseline digital maturity between organisations within an ICS.
3. Nuanced differences in the function and requirement of EPR systems within acute, mental health, community and ambulance settings, which can pose a barrier to convergence. 
4. Ensuring there is sustainable resourcing and national support for providers through EPR implementation, convergence and optimisation.

Useful resources

Read

• Introducing an EPR at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust  (5 minute read) Based on her trust's own experiences, chief information officer Mandy Griffin sets out seven strategic lessons for trust boards looking to introduce an EPR.
• Visit our knowledge hub for more resources around EPRs.

Listen

• Making the right technology decisions for your trust Key considerations for boards when choosing technology and tackling interoperability from Dan Sheldon, technology specialist at Public Digital.