All-Wales Approach Proposed for Electronic Records

The long-awaited strategy for health information in Wales proposes a corporate, all-Wales approach to the development of electronic records and other information services.

“Informing Healthcare” the consultative strategy paper published by the Welsh Assembly Government, says, “The known weaknesses of ‘centralisation’ will be overcome by a clear commitment that corporate resources are accountable directly to those who rely on them.”

The paper recommends the formation of a national information agency for Wales to facilitate the corporate approach. It also makes recommendations which will, it says, “support the migration of the NHS and its partner organisations to the use of a single all-Wales electronic health record system as quickly and as safely as possible, with the first health communities beginning implementation in 2005.”

The foreword to the paper comments, “More than 50 years after the inception of the NHS it is clear that the recording, collection, sharing and use of high quality, accurate and complete information falls well below publicly and professionally acceptable standards.”

It points to the shortfalls in healthcare information recorded by inquiries into various care failures. These reports and the public outcry which has accompanied them has focused attention on the vital importance of information and electronic support systems to care professionals, patients and representatives alike.

In another section on education and access for the healthcare workforce, the paper states bluntly, “The status quo is not just antiquated – it is also dangerous. Poor use of information and poor record keeping have been implicated regularly in adverse incidents, complaints and litigation. The hidden cost to the NHS and to the wider economy is overdue for exposure and resolution.”

The strategy’s response to these and other information problems rests on a vision of five strategic programmes for action which, its says, together create an evidence based culture:
• New and improved care processes supported by technology;
• A highly skilled, information literate and informed workforce;
• Patients empowered to share decision making about their care;
• A single integrated electronic health record for each and every patient;
• Better use of health information.

The recommendations are out for consultation and the Welsh Assembly Government is urging all NHS staff and interested groups to respond to specific questions included in the consultation document. A formal strategic implementation plan is due to be published in January 2003.