Facilitator Handbook 2005 - PRIMIS

Data Quality and Patient Safety
PRIMIS Facilitator Handbook
Data Quality and Patient Safety
Background
In 2003 the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) commissioned the University of
Nottingham to carry out research aimed at:
• identifying the important safety issues regarding GP computer systems
• assessing systems in terms of these safety features
• determining GPs’ knowledge, use and training needs in relation to computerised
safety features
• working with stakeholders to produce specifications for GP computer suppliers
• developing training for GPs and practice staff
Research Findings
The research concluded that GP computer systems have considerable potential to help ensure
patient safety, but that this potential is sometimes limited by systems not having adequate
functionality, and by user knowledge or skills, including practitioners not always making full use
of safety features that currently exist and issues with consistency in recording morbidity data.
As part of the research process, interviews were carried out with various stakeholders
including doctors, system suppliers and system users. Through these interviews, it was found
that some of the limiting factors, as shown below, are common to those that arise when
working with information management in primary care.
Factors that limit the use of the clinical system in ensuring patient safety
• a need to ensure that users record data so that system functionality is available when
required
• a need to ensure that users have accurate and safe information to guide decisionmaking
• the need to make best use of computerised systems for ensuring that intended
actions such as patient referrals and medication monitoring are complete
• a need for GPs to be better trained in the effective use of their computer systems
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