Electronic Patient Record

Electronic Patient Record

 

A large number of staff can’t use the Electronic Patient Record effectively and it’s harming patients.

The electronic patient record (EPR) is the digital version of a patients medical file. It stores information such as medical history, diagnosis, test results and medications. It provides healthcare professionals with quick, shared access to accurate patient data. The system improves efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance coordination of care. Or that was the aim. The EPRs also allows patients to view their own records online through services like the NHS App.

A thematic review into patient safety issues associated with EPR systems, published by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body on 27 November 2025, found that EPR systems could contribute to the risks of patient care being “missed, delayed or incorrect”.

It was insufficient staff training in how to use EPR systems that contributed to resulting harm. Dates were missed or drugs administered incorrectly the report found.

The scale and depth of training required for safe, confident use is often underestimated and therefore under resourced. As a result, staff are left without the knowledge they need to use the system correctly, recognise risks, or safely avoid errors.

 

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