Upgrade Fixes Errors in Electronic Medical Records
The electronic system that transfers patient diagnostic imaging and laboratory test results to clinics using electronic medical records (EMRs) has been failing to transfer a limited number of records, Health Minister Chris d'Entremont announced today, Sept. 24.
The system error affected only certain patients and clinics, and was corrected over the weekend.
"We're taking this situation very seriously. We acted immediately to ensure doctors received all of the outstanding test results. They are reviewing them now, and taking action if necessary," said Mr. d'Entremont. "Nova Scotians can be reassured that if there was any probability that this affected them, they will receive a call directly from their doctor."
"Initial feedback from the doctors has been very reassuring, as they have processes in place to ensure results that were not received are tracked down. However, we did not want to take any chances when it comes to patient safety. As soon as we became aware of the error, we launched an examination of the system and informed doctors, so they could immediately contact their patients."
Mr. d'Entremont stressed that doctor's offices have back-up procedures to ensure test results are received and reviewed. He also stressed that patient records remain protected and medical information was never lost or transferred to the wrong file or location. However, in certain circumstances, the system, known as eResults, failed to transfer results of a patient's medical test to their electronic file.
The system error affected 31 of the clinics that are using the EMR system. In total, 578 patients for 87 doctors and three nurse practitioners could have potentially been affected. The department has contacted every physician and nurse practitioner impacted to explain the situation. All outstanding results have since been sent to their offices electronically and in fax or paper copy. Doctors are reviewing the results and have been contacting patients as required. In many cases, doctors have informed the department that the results were already addressed.
"Software errors are not unusual, especially in complex systems, and we have been very happy with the success and advancement of the EMR system in Nova Scotia," said Mr. d'Entremont. "At the same time, we were very concerned about the potential impact this error may have had on patients. Staff from the Department of Health, Health Information Technology Nova Scotia (HITS-NS), the various lab and diagnostic imaging departments throughout the province, and the software provider (Nightingale Informatix) worked around the clock to have the problem fixed this weekend. And they continue to work to test and re-test the upgrade."
"We have offered our assistance in any way we can to help doctors receive accelerated access to any services their patients may need as a result of this situation. Patient care is our top priority."
The EMR is part of a larger health information management system strategy that will eventually allow a patient's medical information from any clinic, hospital, or other medical service to be stored in one electronic health record. The province purchased the software licences for doctors in clinics around the province to allow them to use the program. The province maintains a help desk and provides support for the program, together with the software provider, Nightingale Informatix.
Implementation of EMRs began in the province in October 2005. The eResults system has been operating since August 2006. In that time, almost 294,000 test results were successfully delivered through the eResults system.
It is not necessary for patients to call their doctors. Doctors have all test results. They are reviewing this information and will contact patients if needed. All other questions can go to the Department of Health at 1-800-565-3611.