Registering and storing patient data

Suspension folders

In the past, patient data was stored in kilometer-long filing cabinets in suspension files. The disadvantage was that the information could not be viewed by two specialists at the same time and that this always remained within the institution. The family doctor had his own system and so did the hospital, the physiotherapist and so on. Because of this a lot of mistakes were made and there was a lot of double research. What certainly did not happen was integral research based on all this data.

Digital storage on local database

A logical step with the arrival of the computer was to store all data digitally on a system used within the institution. The advantage was that data could be more easily stored and, above all, retrieved. Different specialisms could now more easily exchange information and look at the same file. The problem remained that this information could not be exchanged digitally with external parties, such as GPs. We still find this situation often. Information is still exchanged by letter or fax. Attempts to do this by e-mail often get stuck on security issues.

Interfacing databases

The next step is the exchange of data per interface. Some parties in a region already choose to do so. Where two or more local parties have realized this interface, it is highly appreciated by patients (3). It is also very pleasant for the employees at these parties (3). Because less paper is used, this is also somewhat beneficial for the environment (1).

Data in the cloud

In theory, storing all data in databases in the cloud should make it easier to exchange data. Although some parties have done so in order to be prepared for the future, many safety issues are involved. In addition, many other parties have not yet reached this stage and standardizing the data is a problem. Incidentally, customers and employees notice nothing of a migration to the cloud (0). They don’t care, as long as the data can be properly shared. By the way, technicians don’t get very happy (-2) from these migrations to the cloud, it’s a lot of the same. The care institutions are very happy in their role as clients (3) of these projects, because this makes a lot possible for the future.

National EPD

Of course, it is obvious to create one national database with all electronic patient records. This was tried with the EPD project, but failed miserably. Since 2011 there has been a proliferation of initiatives, but no nationwide system is getting off the ground. If such a project did succeed, it would result in satisfied people on all sides: customers (3) and care workers (3). Moreover, this would give an enormous boost to the network (3).