The National Audit Office starts an investigation of the Health Platform after introduction in Central Norway – news Trøndelag

– More and more disturbing challenges have emerged with the introduction of the Health Platform, and the description of reality varies a lot depending on who speaks. This is what the chairman of the control committee in Trondheim, Rolf Jarle Brøske, says in a press release. Chairman of the Health Platform, Helge Garåsen, tells news that he is looking forward to the review. – Some may see it as criticism. I see audit review as something positive. Certain things have not worked well, so an investigation is justified, he says. Helge Garåsen is chairman of the Helseplattformen. Photo: Ole Martin Wold / NTB Threatening patient safety Since the introduction of the Health Platform in November last year, several serious errors and shortcomings in the system have been uncovered. It has been critical for operations at St. Olav’s hospital in Trondheim. The health platform The health platform is responsible for implementing the introduction of a new and common patient record for the health service in Central Norway The project is owned by Helse Midt-Norge RHF, Trondheim municipality and eight other municipalities The health platform was introduced in Trondheim municipality in April 2022. In November of the same year, the one introduced by St. Olav and six other municipalities in Trøndelag So far, 24 out of 66 municipalities have signed the agreement, thereby becoming owners of the company. The aim is to get all municipalities in central Norway on the team, but for now several are waiting. If everything goes according to the Health Platform’s plan, the solution will be used by 40,000 employees in the health service. 720,000 residents will then be able to access their own records digitally through the solution. Health and Care Minister Ingvild Kjerkol has encouraged all municipalities in central Norway to join the Health Platform . Last week, the Norwegian Health Inspectorate concluded that the new record system threatens patient safety at the hospital. – The consequences have been reduced patient safety and ineffective patient treatment. Then we have to question how suitable the system is, how well it has been planned and how the follow-up has been to solve the problems, says Auditor General Karl Eirik Schjøtt-Pedersen. Delayed introduction at other hospitals The problems have led to the rollout of the system at other hospitals in central Norway being put on hold until 2024. Several municipalities in central Norway are considering other alternatives. The National Audit Office has listed several points that may be appropriate to look into in the investigation: What are the causes of the problems that have arisen How are the actors working to further develop the system and benefits of the solution Possible consequences for the Health Platform if municipalities and GPs in the region choose other solutions . The economics of the project such as cost development, and cost distribution between the various actors involved Whether experience has been used from introductions from similar solutions in, for example, Denmark Interaction with the other health regions Helse Midt RFH and the Ministry of Health’s follow-up



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