The TextBase project--implementation of a base level message supporting electronic patient record transfer in English...

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Record Systems

Background:

• Patient record transfer between general practices is crucial for continuity of care.
• Existing Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems lack a standardized exchange format.
• The National Health Service (NHS) in England faces challenges with inter-practice patient data sharing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a common exchange format for EPR data.
• To test the transfer of patient record transcriptions between different general practices.
• To identify barriers to national implementation of a standardized EPR exchange format.

Main Methods:

• A laboratory experiment involving four collaborating EPR system vendors.
• An iterative design process to create a common record display format.
• Development of message generation and reading modules within EPR systems.

Main Results:

• A common record display format was successfully created.
• Data transfer was implemented in a laboratory setting using floppy disks.
• The study identified significant barriers to achieving national EPR data exchange.

Conclusions:

• A common exchange format for EPR data is feasible in a controlled environment.
• Overcoming technical and logistical barriers is essential for national EPR system interoperability.
• Further development is required to enable seamless patient record transfer across the NHS.