The team set out to deliver their service using one digital system which could manage a unified patient record, to better support the team and patient care. To be effective, they needed a flexible solution that was capable of making notes available or confidential to other members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT).  This was crucial functionality given the confidential nature of psychology case notes and being able to maintain a patient's privacy wishes, if required. 

The trust decided to utilise its existing Sunrise EPR system, provided by Altera Digital Health, which is now used to manage patient questionnaires, appointments, referrals, discharges and communicate with the MDT. 

Sunrise is also facilitating the collection of data to monitor and report on specific psychology key performance indicators.

Dr Alexandra Boughey, principal clinical psychologist – cystic fibrosis service and operational lead, said: ‘We're saving so much time from being able to input our notes directly into the system and automatically sharing with the multi-disciplinary team. It's been game changing, when you consider how time consuming the process was before.'

Paula Dyce, advanced nurse practitioner – CF Diabetes, added: 'Since being able to have Psychology on our EPR system it has helped us improve patient care and communication across professionals. It has streamlined the link between physical health and mental health appointments.'