Memory Lane
As I pen down the chapters of my journey through medicine, I’m struck by the vivid memories of my early days as a GP. The time when patient records were neatly tucked away in Lloyd George sleeves, color-coded in red and blue, seems like a distant past. It’s a stark contrast to the digital age we live in now, and it makes me reflect on how far we’ve come in patient record management.
The Digital Age
My introduction to electronic medical records (EMRs) began in 1995 when I first used the dos-based EMIS system. It was a pioneering step towards digitalisation, albeit with its own set of challenges. The system was rudimentary by today’s standards, yet it marked a significant shift from the traditional pen-and-paper approach. The dual task of maintaining paper records alongside digital entries was cumbersome, but the ease of generating electronic prescriptions was a game-changer. It not only streamlined the process but also mitigated the age-old problem of deciphering doctors’ handwriting for pharmacists.
Hospital EMR
My career later took me to Saudi Arabia, where I encountered a technological step back in terms of EMR adoption. It wasn’t until the mid-2000s that the King Faisal Specialist Hospital embraced electronic prescribing, a move I was intimately involved in. Leading the charge in this transition, I prepared my colleagues for the shift, only to be met with initial chaos. It was a vivid illustration of the teething problems associated with adopting new technologies. Yet, the eventual smooth integration underscored the adaptability and resilience of healthcare professionals.
EMRs in the NHS
Returning to the UK, I was met with a plethora of EMR systems, each with its own learning curve and idiosyncrasies. The diversity of systems like EMIS, Vision, and SystemOne was overwhelming, particularly for a locum trying to navigate the nuances of each. The challenge was even more pronounced in private practice, where the choice of EMRs was limited and often lacked clinical input in their development.
EMRpro is Born
This gap between technology and clinical need led me to a pivotal decision in my career—to develop an EMR system that truly understood and addressed the workflows of clinicians. Thus, EMRpro was born, a system designed with the direct input of healthcare professionals to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Our electronic prescribing system, EPP, is built in so that you can send a prescription to a patient or pharmacy of your choice.
Writing this chapter of my life, I’m proud of the strides we’ve made with EMRpro. It’s more than just software; it’s a reflection of my journey, a blend of clinical experience and technological innovation. I’m excited for the future chapters, where EMRpro continues to evolve, shaped by the valuable feedback of its users, to redefine healthcare delivery in private practices across the UK.
