Elsevier

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis

Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2014, Pages 681-686
Journal of Cystic Fibrosis

Original Article
The development and deployment of integrated electronic care records in a regional adult and paediatric cystic fibrosis unit

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcf.2014.03.002Get rights and content
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Abstract

Background

Electronic care records (ECRs) for cystic fibrosis (CF) provide a basis for accurate, reliable capture of clinical measures and interventions, and epidemiological trends, providing the basis for improved efficiency and patient safety.

Methods

A primary care system was modified for hospital use and clinical codes devised for all aspects of CF care. Performance and usability were assessed.

Results

Of a total of 620 patients 619 consented to their data being recorded in the system. Five hundred and twenty three new codes were created and embedded behind 60 new templates. Following introduction of ECR, completion of annual assessments increased from 43% to 92%, retrieval of drug costs rose significantly and time to correspondence with primary care fell from 34 days to < 2 days. Staff satisfaction was high.

Conclusion

The system is fully operational allowing the unit to function as a paperless service. Efficiencies of staffing activity, process management and cost retrievals are evident. Sharing of coding structures is important in future care.

Keywords

Cystic fibrosis
Electronic care records
Codes

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