Psychiatrists and electronic patient records: the South London and Maudsley experience

Abstract

Aims and MethodTo explore the experiences and attitudes of psychiatrists to a new electronic patient records system. A questionnaire was emailed to 115 psychiatrists across the South London & Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust.ResultsThe total response rate was 66% (senior house officers 75%, specialist registrars 57%, consultants 56%). Technical problems, difficulty with patient confidentiality, administrative burden and impact on clinical work were identified as concerns. However, psychiatrists recognised the potential benefits and the majority did not wish to return to using paper records.Clinical ImplicationsElectronic patient records are rapidly being integrated into the daily practice of psychiatrists. More administrative assistance and specific training should be provided to support clinicians who use this system.

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“…3 Despite the transfer from paper notes not being without difficulty, most mental health staff have accepted the electronic format as a necessary change to retain rapid access while maintaining confidentiality. 1 The debate over whether PARIS or RiO (the two most common software packages) is the better format continues; the differences between the two largely centre on the data filing systems involved. The main improvements involving both formats have been for out-of-hours workers who are seeing a patient with previous mental health contact within the trust.…”

“…1 The main reason for the move away from paper documentation has been the need for rapid and easy access from multiple ward and community sites where patient consultations are carried out. 2 The need to store large amounts of information while maintaining confidentiality has also hastened the move to electronic documentation.…”