Research supported through an NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR) GP Career Progression Fellowship has found that a key NHS digital system designed to improve end-of-life care is not being used as intended, raising important questions about how digital tools are implemented in primary care. For more information, read the full article from the University of Bristol.
Researchers at the University of Bristol evaluated an Electronic Palliative Care Coordination System (EPaCCS), which was introduced to help healthcare professionals share important information about people approaching the end of life and support care that reflects patients' wishes.
The study analysed data from more than 1,700 patient deaths, alongside interviews and focus groups with healthcare professionals, patients and carers. Researchers identified several barriers to successful implementation, including limited staff involvement during rollout, inconsistent leadership, poor integration with existing IT systems, and uncertainty about the system's purpose.
The findings highlight the importance of ensuring digital innovations are implemented alongside the support, leadership and system integration needed to improve patient care.