Tim Ferris and EPR optimisation
1 August 2022
At an event hosted by the Digital Boards programme, Dr Tim Ferris, national director of transformation at NHS England, shared his reflections on the national direction of travel towards electronic patient record (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.
Digital
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:
- Unclear governance and decision making around consolidation of EPR within an integrated care system (ICS).
- The diversity of baseline digital maturity between organisations within an ICS.
- 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.
- Ensuring there is sustainable resourcing and national support for providers through EPR implementation, convergence and optimisation.