Revolutionizing Healthcare Access: Bridge Street Practice Leads the Way with EMIS Functionality
In a significant advancement for healthcare accessibility, Bridge Street Practice in North Lincolnshire has become the first GP practice to implement a new EMIS functionality that streamlines access to the Yorkshire and Humber Care Record. This innovative feature, launched on July 30, 2024, allows clinicians to access vital patient information with unprecedented ease, marking a pivotal moment in the integration of healthcare services across the region.
A New Era of Access
Before the introduction of this contextual launch functionality, healthcare staff faced the cumbersome task of logging into a separate external portal to access the shared care record. This record is crucial as it compiles essential patient information from various care settings, including hospitals, GP practices, and community services. The new EMIS toolbar integration eliminates the need for multiple logins, enabling clinicians to access comprehensive patient data with just a single click.
Dr. Abdur-Rauff Mahroof, a GP at Bridge Street Practice, expressed the transformative impact of this functionality. "Having access to a function that allows me to see the information held at the hospitals without having to sign into multiple different systems has been such a blessing," he stated. This streamlined access not only enhances efficiency but also significantly improves the quality of patient care.
Collaborative Efforts for Enhanced Care
The successful implementation of this functionality is the result of a collaborative effort between EMIS, Interweave, and the Humber and North Yorkshire shared care record delivery team. This partnership underscores the importance of teamwork in advancing healthcare technology and improving patient outcomes.
Currently, around 20 practices within the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership utilize EMIS to access shared care records. The rollout of the contextual launch functionality is underway, with Whitby Group Practice set to be the next to go live. Delivery teams are actively supporting GP practices by providing configuration sessions for the EMIS toolbar, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.
A Focus on Patient Care
A press release from Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust highlighted the positive impact of this new functionality on patient care. "By making access routes to regional shared care records as streamlined as ever, we are seeing more practice engagement and usage due to new functionalities such as electronic patient record context launching," the statement read.
The emphasis on patient care remains paramount. By simplifying clinicians’ access to patient data, healthcare professionals can dedicate more time to their patients, reducing the need for patients to repeat their medical histories across various encounters. This not only enhances the patient experience but also fosters a more efficient healthcare system.
Expanding the Reach of Shared Care Records
The introduction of the contextual launch functionality is part of a broader trend towards integrating shared care records across various healthcare settings. In January 2023, Saint Catherine’s Hospice in Scarborough became the first hospice to utilize the Yorkshire and Humber Shared Care Record, allowing staff to access critical patient information such as medical history, allergies, medications, and end-of-life care wishes.
Furthermore, in August 2024, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust announced a three-year contract with Accurx to implement a patient communication platform. This initiative aims to replace outdated paper-based processes with digital solutions, further enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery across Hull, the East Riding of Yorkshire, Whitby, Scarborough, and Ryedale.
Conclusion
The launch of the EMIS functionality at Bridge Street Practice marks a significant milestone in the evolution of healthcare access in the Yorkshire and Humber region. By streamlining access to shared care records, this initiative not only enhances the efficiency of healthcare delivery but also prioritizes patient care. As more practices adopt this technology, the potential for improved patient outcomes and a more integrated healthcare system becomes increasingly promising. The collaborative efforts of healthcare providers, technology partners, and delivery teams are paving the way for a future where patient care is more accessible, efficient, and effective than ever before.