Calls for Extension of Electronic Patient Record Testing Phase

The associations of statutory health physicians from three pilot regions in Germany are urging for an extension of the testing phase for the Electronic Patient Record (EPA) ahead of its nationwide implementation. According to the associations from Bavaria, Hamburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Westfalen-Lippe, the pilot phase, which has been underway for five weeks, has yet to be fully operational.

Concerns have been raised about the potential risks involved with a hasty rollout of the system. The quality of the software, the security of patient records, and the overall acceptance of the program among the public could be jeopardized by premature deployment. Approximately 300 medical practices in and around Hamburg, parts of Franconia, and North Rhine-Westphalia have reported significant technical issues, hindering their ability to effectively test the EPA.

In Westfalen-Lippe, it was noted that one-third of the participating practices have not yet had the opportunity to trial the electronic record system. The EPA testing began on January 15, and the organization responsible for the rollout, Gematik, is scheduled to assess whether the system can be launched nationwide by mid-March. If the evaluation is favorable, a broader implementation could commence in April. However, medical associations argue that this timeframe is insufficient to resolve existing technical challenges.

They have appealed to Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach for an extension of the testing period. The associations argue that rushing the implementation could lead to frustration among healthcare providers and dissatisfaction among patients due to unmet expectations. Such outcomes could result in widespread rejection of the EPA by both medical practices and patients.

Jan-Niklas Francke, a newly appointed board member of the German Pharmacists Association, emphasized the importance of a seamless and secure operation of the EPA to achieve high acceptance rates among patients. Concerns have been voiced previously regarding the potential delays in the nationwide rollout of the EPA, with Minister Lauterbach acknowledging that the launch may not occur as initially planned in mid-February, but rather in March or April.

Despite previous warnings about security, Minister Lauterbach has expressed confidence in the safety of the EPA as it is being introduced in the model regions.