Since 2016, NHS organisations and local councils have been working together to deliver integrated care across England.

Their aim is to coordinate health and care services around the whole needs of each person, enabling people to live healthier and more independent lives.

Successful integrated care depends on a joined-up approach from the ground up - and interoperability of information is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll look at how care providers can start implementing initiatives that enable them to efficiently share care records electronically. 

The importance of information sharing

The NHS Long-Term Plan set the goal of ensuring every part of the country is part of an integrated care system by 2021.

To meet this aim, all organisations within each health and care system need to join forces, enabling them to provide well-coordinated services to the people who need them.

When a person’s care is spread between multiple providers, accurate and efficient information sharing is essential. 

Different providers need to be able to access up-to-date information about a person’s care needs in order to make sure they get the support and treatment they need, at the right time and in the right place.

What are the challenges?

One solution is to use Electronic Medication Administration Records (eMARs). 

An eMAR is a software-based solution that provides a record of a person’s medication and care needs.

However, eMARS are often disfavoured in practice because problems can arise when services are shared between multiple providers.

For example, if two organisations are providing care to the same person, and one uses software with eMARS but the other doesn’t, then the latter won’t know what medication has been given to the person.

The same problem may arise if the person needs care from emergency services. A paramedic wouldn’t have access to the eMAR and so wouldn’t know what medication the person had already been given, which may inhibit their treatment. 

A new solution for sharing records electronically

A successful integrated care system requires solutions that pave the way for interoperability. 

CareCloud, our easy-to-use home care software, supports home care providers to keep accurate, up-to-date and compliant care records.

A key feature is the ‘Care Passport’ button. This will enable you to collate important information about a client and their needs, including:

• Adverse drug reactions, allergies or intolerances
• How the person communicates
• Food allergies and intolerances
• How the person shows that they’re in pain
• How the person takes medication
• How to support them if they’re anxious or upset

All the necessary information will be presented in an accessible profile that can be easily shared, enabling the person to receive the care they need, when they need it. 

CareCloud has been designed with CQC’s Key Lines of Enquiry as a framework, helping you to evidence outstanding practice in providing safe, person-centred care.

Supporting organisations to provide integrated care

The successful sharing of information between organisations is a vital part of meeting the NHS’ integrated care ambitions.

uRoster is committed to supporting care providers in working towards these goals. If you’d like more information about CareCloud, our digital home care management system, feel free to get in touch - we’re always happy to help.

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