EMIS launches care integration projects

GP systems supplier EMIS has announced two new projects which will help to ensure care is fully informed and correctly delivered.

Using their web-based software EMIS Web, the company is launching pilots, focused on integrating its primary care records software with other systems in two locations.

In Gateshead, out-of-hours staff using Adastra systems will be able to access primary summary care records from EMIS Web as they treat patients from the area.

Another pilot will take place at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, where EMIS Web is being used to seamlessly link primary and secondary care delivery for Liverpool Primary Care Trust.

Sean Riddell, EMIS Healthcare managing director, told EHI Primary Care: “These two flagship projects demonstrate how joined-up thinking between different providers can not only improve patient care but also save the NHS money through more efficient service delivery.

“Ultimately these projects will offer the potential to improve the care of the millions of patients whose records are stored on EMIS systems throughout the country, seamlessly integrating their GP record with other system, which is what I think most patients would want.”

The Gateshead pilot – being run with the Gateshead PCT and Out of Hours Group – will see specially developed EMIS components sitting inside the Adastra software, via a seamless link.

With the patient’s consent, the OOH clinician will be able to open a summary of the patient’s ‘in hours’ primary care record via an EMIS Web tab, helping to improve continuity of care.

The real time summary will include details of medication, allergies and long-term conditions. Pilots will begin later this month.

Riddell said: “This is not only a cost-effective solution but one that will be delivered with minimal disruption to clinicians, as it will operate within the existing software framework.

“It is not intended to be a replacement of the Summary Care Record, we will simply integrate the data, and Adastra, who are seeking spine integration compliance, will then share it with the Spine.”

He added: “More than 60m patients receive OOH treatment supported by Adastra systems, which are used in 95% of UK unscheduled care hubs. I believe that these patients expect clinicians to be able to see their record, and we are simply facilitating this.”

In Liverpool, the PCT has signed up over 40 GP practices from the region to a primary care diversion service at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital’s A&E department.

After being identified by the A&E clerk, the patient with a primary care problem is referred to the primary care nurse for a consultation. During the consultation, with consent from the patient, a summary of the patient’s primary care medical record can be viewed via EMIS Web – including details of medications, allergies and any previous diagnoses.

Using an A&E template, the nurse records the consultation with the patient in the system and decides whether the patient is suitable for diversion back to their GP. If the patient agrees to be referred back the GP, the primary care nurse can book a same or next-day GP appointment, but the patient still has the option to attend A&E.

Kate Warriner, Primary Care IM&T Development Manager for Liverpool PCT said: “Interoperability has played a crucial role in making this project work. Using EMIS Web has brought considerable practical benefits with minimal disruption including enabling the GP to view the A&E consultation back at the practice.”

Riddell added: “The work in Liverpool is demonstrating the key importance of interoperability to ensure patients get the right level of care. Provided adequate consent measures have been taken, it is essential that all healthcare practitioners can work with the best notes possible and with the patient’s care at the front of their mind. More needs to be done like this to ensure integration is achieved across the health environment.”

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