NEWS: Electronic Patient Records Still Putting NHS Patients at Risk

As reported by the National Health Executive, a new review finds ongoing flaws in design, usability, and governance of EPR systems, highlighting cases of serious harm and urging urgent action to improve digital safety across the NHS

The report highlights real-world patient safety failures, including a case where a four-year-old girl was given five incorrect doses of blood-thinning medication. An electronic prescribing system failed to catch the error, resulting in bleeding around her brain.

A new thematic review from the Health Safety and Standards Investigations Body warns that electronic patient record systems are still linked to delayed, missed, or incorrect care, despite national guidance designed to reduce such risks.

While EPR systems can support safer, more efficient care, the review points to ongoing issues with design and implementation. Common problems include poor usability, outdated hardware, and limited resources to maintain and optimise systems safely.

The review identifies three main areas of concern:
• Choosing an EPR system that fits organisational needs – missing functions in some systems contributed to safety problems.

• Effective implementation – inconsistent governance across national, regional, and local levels left risks unchecked.

• Encouraging feedback and continuous improvement – staff reported few avenues to flag poor usability or functionality, and concerns were often not addressed.

The analysis draws on investigations from 2018 to 2025 and shows recurring problems with EPR systems, affecting patient safety, hospital efficiency, and wider digital transformation goals.

The report calls for urgent action to improve digital safety and provides practical guidance to help healthcare providers identify and manage risks when buying, deploying, and maintaining electronic patient record systems.