Development and implementation of a fully paperless cardiology information system (EPD-Vision)

Starting February 2006, the departments Cardiology and Thoracic Surgery of the Leiden University Medical Center use a self-developed electronic patient record system: "EPD-Vision". EPD-Vision offers a complete replacement of the patient chart on paper. EPD-Vision provides an overview of all patient information at every moment and at any location. Patient information in other systems is directly available in EPD-Vision (ECG's, echocardiography and cathlab images and data, lab data). The use of EPD-Vision has resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of care for cardiac patients. Substantial savings have been realized in the secretary staff. Various new modules of EPD-Vision are under development, such order management and an on-line appointment system. With the latter, patients can make appointments (e.g. for the outpatient clinic and pacemaker follow-up) through Internet. Also, parts of EPD-Vision will be available via Internet for patients and professionals.