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A year ago I did an option appraisal of various computer systems for A&E. Derriford in Plymouth had just installed HASS EDIS, which is capable of operating as a paperless system. They were still documenting on A&E cards but it was their intention to become totally paperless by early this year. If there is anyone on the list who works or has worked there in the last year they could maybe let us know if it has become a reality. Footman-Walker claim that they can adapt their latest package (Symphony) to work as a paperless system but when I spoke with them last year they didn't perceive a great demand for this. Finally, a representative from another major company, when asked about the possibility of their system being developed as a paperless one said, "The search for a paperless department is like the search for a paperless toilet!" I suppose the overriding worry with a paperless system is what happens when it crashes. If there is no on-line backup or if that fails as well, what happens to the lost data? What happens if it has crashed when you desperately need to know about your patient's previous attendance last week? (I appreciate that the counter argument is that paper records can and do go missing). I am a self-confessed technophile with a love of gadgets. I am however sceptical of the benefits of a paperless department. For one thing, what happens when the patient complaint comes through and all you have to show for their time in A&E is a non-specific generic record. By having to write something, I am more inclined to think about what I am documenting rather than if I have a series of check boxes and a free text box. Andy -----Original Message----- From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Laurence Rocke Sent: 14 November 2000 22:35 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Ruth's message I'd also like to know about paperless systems. Rocky ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ruth Brown" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 6:04 PM > Dear List, not really that academic but very interested if anyone can help > me. DOes anyone out there have a truly paperless A&E record, ie no paper > records, everything straight into the computer, downloaded at patient > bedside, image transfer and all? > If so, could you reply privately rather than clog up the list, thanks Ruth > > Ruth Brown FRCS FFAEM > Consultant in Emergency Medicine, > King's College Hospital, London UK > > > %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%