Insufficient training on EPR systems is risking patient safety

A concerning new report highlights a critical vulnerability in hospital digitization efforts: the lack of adequate training for staff on Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems. While the transition from paper to digital records is essential for modernizing healthcare, the report finds that the implementation phase is often rushed, with staff training treated as a "tick-box" exercise rather than a core competency. Many healthcare professionals reported feeling overwhelmed by complex interfaces and counter-intuitive workflows, leading to dangerous workarounds and data entry errors.

The consequences of this "implementation gap" extend beyond mere frustration; they pose a direct risk to patient safety. The report details instances where insufficient knowledge of the EPR system led to delayed medication administration, missed clinical alerts, and fragmented communication between departments. The findings serve as a wake-up call for healthcare administrators and IT vendors alike. Successful digital transformation requires not just the purchase of software, but a sustained investment in workforce education. The report recommends ongoing, scenario-based training and "at-the-elbow" support during go-live periods to ensure that technology empowers clinicians rather than distracting them from patient care.

Read the original article at: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/12/staff-training-on-eprs-often-perceived-as-limited-report-finds/


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