How to choose the right electronic health record

Electronic Patient Record: How to Choose Wisely ?

The Electronic Patient Record (EPR) is the backbone of the digital hospital. But to make it a performance lever and avoid it becoming a source of frustration, its choice must be thoughtful, strategic, and collaborative. In this article, we will examine why an EPR is strategic, what criteria to use in selecting one, common mistakes to avoid, and share a successful case study of a revamp.

Why is an EPR Strategic?

Centralization of Medical Data: It ensures rapid and secure access to a patient's medical history, examinations, diagnoses, and treatments.
Traceability of Care: Each care or intervention is recorded, ensuring continuous and detailed monitoring.
Coordination Between Departments: It facilitates communication and collaboration among different actors (doctors, nurses, laboratories, etc.).
Regulatory Compliance: By respecting data security and confidentiality standards (GDPR, HDS, etc.), the EPR protects institutions against legal risks.

Criteria for Choosing an EPR

Regulatory Compliance
Ensure that the chosen EPR meets all legal and regulatory requirements in France, including:
- Certification Ségur de la santé to be eligible for public funding.
- Compatibility with CI-SIS (Cadre d’Interopérabilité des Systèmes d’Information de Santé) to ensure interoperability with other solutions.
- Compliance with GDPR to protect sensitive patient medical data.
Ergonomics and User Experience
Healthcare professionals are often under pressure. A good EPR should simplify their daily tasks with:
- An intuitive interface
- Easy-to-use features that reduce administrative burdens
- Customizable modules based on the specific needs of each department
Native Interoperability
The EPR must integrate perfectly with your existing IT ecosystem, including:
- Hospital Information Systems (HIS)
- Medical Imaging Management Software (RIS/PACS)
- eHealth platforms used by other regional actors, such as laboratories or pharmacies
Publisher Support and Scalability
A good EPR should evolve with your institution. When choosing a provider, evaluate:
- The quality of their technical support
- Their ability to support scaling up (e.g., increasing the number of beds or services)
- The deployment of new features or regulatory updates

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Involve Only Administrative Decision-Makers
A well-chosen EPR must meet the concrete needs of caregivers. Ensure that representatives from different departments, such as doctors, nurses, and specialized technicians, are involved in the selection and testing phases.
Neglect Initial and Ongoing Training
A high-performance tool is only useful if employees know how to use it. Invest time and budget in training tailored to user profiles.
Underestimate the Budget for Change Management
Implementing an EPR involves organizational upheaval. Plan resources to support change, raise awareness among teams, and address their questions.

An EPR: A Structuring Choice for the Hospital Institution

Choosing an EPR should not be taken lightly. It is an investment that directly impacts the quality of care, team satisfaction, and overall performance of the institution. By adopting a rigorous and collaborative approach, hospitals and GHTs can transform this complex project into a strategic success.

Want to simplify the process? Contact our eHealth consultants who will guide you at every stage, from the initial audit to final deployment. Contact us today for a personalized diagnosis.