60 seconds with Jay Mehta

21 November 2018

Explain your role 

My role as a CMIO is to be a bridge between the clinical teams on the frontline of the trust, and the IT teams and digital boards, representing their views to each other, as we get ready to implement a brand new electronic patient record (EPR). 

What will EPR mean for staff and patients?

I hope we make a significant improvement to patient safety, convenience and staff efficiency with this new system, and eventually change the way we work to fully take advantage of new technology.

Why you were inspired to become a CMIO?

I used to work in the IT sector developing websites, apps, servers and databases before becoming a doctor, so I have an insight into the fantastic possibilities of using technology to improve patient care systems. As a result I always find myself wondering why the current systems are so behind the systems we see in every other sector outside healthcare, and this inspired me to become a CMIO and really make a difference.

Why is the success of the EPR roll out so important?

The way that we currently work using a mix of paper and computers is outdated, unwieldy and inefficient. It’s not fair on our staff, and it makes it harder for our patients to understand how we are caring for them. 

What difference will it make to staff and patients?

Digital systems have the potential to make staff jobs easier, make the hospital more efficient, make us safer practitioners and provide our patients with easy access to their health data.

What are the risks involved?

We all know that the implementation of the new EPR will not be easy. It is a significant change to the way we work, and as a result carries significant risk. However, in the long run, this EPR will deliver significant benefits, including better patient care, easier staff jobs, and overall increased efficiency.

What do staff need to do to ensure EPR is implemented properly?

We need everybody to take ownership of preparing their workplace for the new EPR. This ranges from booking your EPR training, to persuading your colleagues to book onto their training. And from making sure that your work area is going to receive the new computers and wifi you need, to practising the way that you will be working in the upcoming new EPR simulation area. 

What should staff do if they have questions?

Your senior colleagues should be aware of the changes that the new EPR will bring and be able to answer your questions, and if they can’t you can contact your divisional leads or one of the CMIOs.