Implementation of the Electronic Health Record (GUHARA) in Primary Care
About this good practice
The GUHARA application, addresses the fragmented and inefficient healthcare primary care management system that previously existed. The context triggering this initiative was the need for a more cohesive, patient-centred approach to healthcare, where data interoperability and accessibility are paramount. GUHARA aims to streamline patient information across various healthcare providers, ensuring that all relevant data is available in a single, unified format. This practice reaches its objectives by implementing a single, interoperable data model that allows seamless data exchange between different healthcare systems and providers. The implementation involves integrating existing healthcare data into the new system, training healthcare professionals on its use, and continuously updating the system to incorporate new functionalities and improvements. The main stakeholders include healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, who benefit from easier access to comprehensive patient data. The primary beneficiaries are the patients, who experience improved care coordination, reduced medical errors, and more personalized treatment plans. Additionally, policymakers and healthcare administrators benefit from enhanced data analytics capabilities, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation. Overall, GUHARA represents a significant advancement in the healthcare infrastructure of Aragón, promoting efficiency, accuracy, and patient-centred care.
Resources needed
Setting up & running GUHARA requires robust IT infrastructure, skilled personnel & continuous technical support. Financial: Aragón Health Dept., Spain MOH & EU funds. RRHH: Part-time staff from the General Directorate of Digital Transformation, CGIPC & specifically, a full-time nurse & 7 IT spec.
Evidence of success
Having a unified clinical history for the entire population ensures greater patient safety and healthcare efficiency. It aids in implementing public health policies and personalized medicine. GUHARA is in 95% of hospital care and 1 of 8 primary care sectors. Professional satisfaction is high. Satisfaction surveys will be conducted post-implementation. GUHARA has reduced paperwork by 20% and improved appointment scheduling by 15%.
Potential for learning or transfer
The potential of GUHARA is significant due to its comprehensive and interoperable design. Its single, interoperable data model can be adapted to other regions or countries, allowing a unified healthcare system to improve data accessibility and patient care. The extensive training provided to healthcare professionals can serve as a model for other regions, ensuring smooth transitions and effective use of the system. The implementation process, including integration strategies and continuous updates, offers valuable insights into best practices for other healthcare systems. The enhanced data analytics capabilities of GUHARA can leverage decision-making and resource allocation in other healthcare settings. The patient-centred care and personalized treatment plans can guide other healthcare systems aiming to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. Overall, GUHARA demonstrates its potential as a transferable model for improving healthcare delivery and management in various contexts.