The majority of business processes have switched to digital and the healthcare sector is following suit with patient records, here’s why…

Freeing Up Space

The average GP practice has around 6,200 registered patients and even with just one file per patient, that equates to a lot of valuable space needed to store records manually. Digitising records and virtually storing them means the physical space they consumed can be used more efficiently, for new equipment or extra consultancy rooms.

Easy File Access

GPs spend around eight to 10 minutes with each patient meaning quick and easy access to records is vital to allow appointments for as many patients as possible. Those who have not yet ‘gone digital’ often spend time searching for the record they need before each appointment. Digital records speed up this process and with a quick text search of relevant data, such as the patient’s name or date of birth, the record can be brought up immediately.

Extra Security

Holding patient records in filing cabinets can leave information open to loss, theft and damage, which can lead to devastating consequences. Digital storage is the most secure method of document storage, if procedures such as file encryption, password protection and recovery are all in place.

Quick Referrals

Digital records have a huge speed advantage, as they can be emailed, meaning specialists can then make more swift decisions, benefiting patients further.

Digitising patient records can bring a wide range of benefits to GP practices, and it’s a case of not if but when practices will fully embrace digital.

Written by: Sophie Henrys, Pearl Scan Solutions
[email protected]
Tel: 0161 832 7991