Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG142/2

Question

Which of the electronic information-sharing systems perform best for the care of people approaching the end of their life?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

The guideline committee made recommendations on sharing information about people who are approaching the end of their life with other members of the multipractitioner teams involved in their care. The committee was aware that in the past, most information recording and sharing was done using paper-based systems, with information shared between teams and care settings using telephone, fax and emails. However, fully electronic databases and information-sharing systems using internet protocols are becoming more established in the NHS and also in hospice services. NHS Digital has a stated aim to develop joined-up digital systems in the health service. The committee looked for research about which systems performed best and were reliable for sharing confidential information but was unable to find it. The committee were aware of deficiencies in the current systems. Studies conducted in other countries using electronic systems were not applicable to the NHS.

It is therefore recommended that research should be done on the systems that are currently available in the UK. The purpose of this research would be to inform healthcare planners and service providers on the most efficient, reliable, secure, confidential and cost-effective systems to be used for sharing information about people approaching the end of their life across a range of care settings.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

End of life care for adults: service delivery

Number

NG142

Date issued

October 2019

Other details