ERI urged to improve record keeping for elderly patients
That's from Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
Electronic record keeping is having an impact on elderly patient care at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
An inspection report by Healthcare Improvement Scotland recommends that record keeping be improved to ensure patient files are accurate and accessible. The watchdog was asked to carry out a programme of inspections to provide assurance that older people are being treated with compassion, dignity and respect while they are in an acute hospital.
But the report found electronic record keeping is affecting patient care.
The inspection, carried out between August 30 and September 1 this year, report states: Risk assessments were located on the electronic patient health record system. Although all staff could access the electronic system, most were unaware of how to locate previous risk assessments.
It was not possible to determine how scores had been calculated, therefore we were unable to see whether patient outcomes were improving or not.
Due to the electronic health record system in use, we cannot be assured that the care provided was appropriate.''
Inspectors recommended the system be improved to ensure accurate and accessible patient health records are maintained. The report added: If this cannot be immediately assured, NHS Lothian must put in place an alternative system in the interim.''
Other areas where improvement is required include with social work to ensure safe and effective discharge of patients.
Claire Sweeney, interim director of quality assurance for Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: During our inspection of Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh we found areas of good practice and areas to improve.
However, there are a number of areas where improvements must be made. The electronic patient health record system must be improved to ensure accurate and accessible patient health records. Patient assessments must also be fully and accurately completed in line with national standards.
We identified issues around patients being moved to wards outwith their speciality and a lack of home care provision.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will follow up on these at future inspections.''