ePCR System Update
The ePCR system provides remote data capture via dual mode tablet PCs which transmits patient information real time to: (i) emergency departments; (ii) ambulance stations; (iii) other ambulances; and (iv) ambulance service management in the form of the eTriage application or the reporting module which is awaiting implementation.
Feedback to date indicates that the ePCR is regarded as being user friendly with many sections allowing tick box entry. Over time it has received many enhancements as a result of practitioner feedback. In this latest version these changes include: (a) facilitating other practitioners, other than those logged on to a particular patient case, to record care they have given to the patient; (b) facilitate practitioners swapping over during a call even thought this practitioner was not logged on originally to that particular patients case; (c) transfer of patient details from one ambulance crew to another, for example in the event of a different crew managing patient transport to the destination facility; (d) if an error occurs in the recording of medication or care management this error can now be revised by drawing a line through it and the practitioner can re-enter the information.
From a Clinical Tools perspective, the CPGs and the Medication Formulary can be accessed as information repositories while a patient case is open.
In HSE North East, the ePCR system is integrated with the LifePack 12 defibrillator and the communications centre CAD system and is currently in use by the ambulance service across all eight stations with eTriage screens in four of the five Emergency Departments.
In HSE West a stand-alone ePCR system is currently being rolled out and has been implemented in some stations in Mayo and Roscommon with an eTriage screen installed in Mayo General Hospital.
PHECC are in discussion with the national HSE Information and Communications Technology (ICT) department and expect handover of the HSE North East’s ePCR implementation to take place within the coming months.
ePCR Data Entry in Voluntary, Auxiliary and Private Service Providers
In 2005 the PCR roll-out commenced and it is now in use almost nationally, with a further region implementing later this year.
In addition to statutory services using the national PCR/ePCR system, numerous voluntary, auxiliary and private service providers have also implemented the PCR and PHECC is now in a position to launch ePCR data entry. This is an ePCR application which can be installed on designated computers in each organisation and patient data from the PCRs can be retrospectively entered, stored and accessed by the individual organisations.
Following two successful workshops earlier this year, Civil Defence, Irish Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Order of Malta and Needham Private Ambulance Service are all currently at the familiarisation stage with the CD version of the ePCR. Following our next workshop, we plan to commence roll-out in one or more organisations.
We look forward to this exciting implementation and will have an update for you on its roll-out in our next newsletter.