University projects inform about electronic patient record

Information events on the introduction of electronic patient records

 

As part of an information and discussion event, researchers from the University of Siegen provided information about the use of electronic patient records. In addition to providing general information, they offered citizens the opportunity to discuss open questions and concerns surrounding the topic.

 

About the event

In cooperation with the Digital Specialist and Health Center (DFGZ) of the medical office “Spieren & Kollegen,” subproject 4 “Health and Aging” of the FUSION research project, together with the subproject of CRC A05 “Cooperative Creation of User Autonomy in the Context of an Aging Society” has already held two information and discussion events on the introduction of electronic patient records (ePA). The central concern of those involved is to remove the barriers to the use of ePA for citizens and to support the transfer of knowledge among medical practices in South Westphalia. In addition to providing general information on electronic patient records, the events also offered an opportunity to discuss open questions and concerns surrounding the topic.

Claudia Müller, head of both research projects, commented that such events naturally do not reach a mass audience, but that there is hope that many of the more than 100 participants in the two ePA events will act as multipliers. One challenge is that not everyone has the same skills or technical capabilities to actually use the electronic patient record themselves. Although this is not a problem specific to the ePA, it must be taken into account in times of increasing digitalization and online offerings, Müller continued.

Dennis Kirschsieper, a member of the CRC’s subproject A05, and Dr. Stephan Krayter, a member of the FUSION project, have been involved in the project from the outset and explain:

“When new technologies are introduced, it is common for some people to try them out and use them immediately out of curiosity – so-called ‘technology pioneers’ or ‘early adopters’ – while others are more hesitant to embrace the new, preferring to watch others and wait and see. By sharing the experiences of early adopters, we are helping to make it easier for others to get started with electronic patient records.”

 

Upcoming interview study: Call for participation

Following the successful introduction of the ePA, the main focus now is on supporting the exchange of information regarding problems with the electronic patient record and accompanying the introduction and actual use of the ePA by citizens with a qualitative interview study.

The research team is calling for participants to take part in this study. The aim of the study is to collect and scientifically evaluate users’ experiences with the electronic patient record.

 

Dennis Kirschsieper: dennis.kirschsieper[æt]uni-siegen.de oder 0271 / 740-2002

Dr. Stephan Krayter: stephan.krayter[æt]uni-siegen.de oder 0271 / 740-3833