Rohit Kumar
William Harvey Hospital, United Kingdom
Title: Transitioning to electronic operation notes as a part of a green initiative in the orthopaedic department
Abstract
Introduction: In September 2015, the National Health Service (NHS) proposed to become paper free at the point-of-care by 2020. In October 2020, it aimed to become the world’s first net zero health service by 2040 to fight climate change. The “Delivering a net zero NHS” report outlines moving away from paper in the quest to become carbon neutral. It is estimated that each trust would save £500,000 - £1million spent on paper storage by moving to paperless systems. Replacing paper with technology also has the benefits of reducing errors and improving patient safety. Electronic patient records (EPR) are readily accessible by primary care physicians improving ‘handover’ for patients transitioning from hospitals to the community. The Royal College of Surgeons’ good surgical practice guidelines suggests using electronic operation notes (EON). Our trust has transitioned to EPR, medication prescription and is encouraging the use of EON. Our closed-loop audit aimed to assess our compliance with using EON. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed to see if we were compliant with using EON from 01-30 September 2022 and re-audited to assess improvement from 01-31 January 2023. Results: Only 6.86% (n=7) of 102 operation notes were electronic in the first cycle. The audit findings were presented in the departmental meeting, EON templates for common procedures were compiled and doctors were trained to improve compliance. In the second cycle 60.87% (n=70) of 115 operation notes were compliant demonstrating a significant improvement. Conclusion: EPR are an important part of the green initiative and doctors can lead a change in practice to achieve net neutrality. Education on climate change and availability of EON templates could improve compliance. Implications: Our study demonstrates a need to establish realistic targets for a paperless NHS. Savings from reducing paper usage could fund other green initiatives.
Biography
Rohit Kumar embarked on his medical journey by earning his MBBS degree in 2012. He furthered his education by attaining a Masters in Orthopaedics in 2015 from Manipal Univeristy, India. He was induced as a Member of the Royal College of surgeons of England in 2022. His quest for knowledge and desire to shape the future of medical practice led him to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education from the University of South Wales and he graduated with a distinction in 2022. He has 2 publications in per reviewed journals.
