New digital tool to provide more efficient care
The Trust recently introduced a new digital tool, Electronic Mental Health Act (eMHA), which will allow important patient information – such as statutory forms – to be completed and stored digitally.
The current process for assessing and treating people under the Mental Health Act relies on staff completing and sharing paper-based forms. The move to an electronic system will modernise how our staff, local authority staff, and Section 12 doctors (doctors who are trained and qualified in the use of the Mental Health Act) share information.
The current process for assessing and treating people detained under the Mental Health Act relies on staff completing and sharing paper-based forms, making the process slow and this can lead to delays in assessment and treatment.
The move to eMHA will speed up processes and make it easier for health and care professionals to work together to best meet the needs of patients.
What are the benefits of going digital?
- A reduction in errors
- Improved efficiency and frees up the time of our clinicians who can direct this time to providing care for service users
- No more damaged or misplaced forms, helping to protect patient confidentiality
The 'OneLondon' programme
The software, designed by Thalamos, was developed in consultation with patients, carer groups and clinicians. The 'OneLondon programe' will see six Mental Health Trusts in the capital introduce eMHA over the coming months, supporting safer, faster, and more joined up care for Londoners.
Dr Sean Whyte, Consultant Psychiatrist, Acting Chief Medical Officer and eMHA Project SRO, said:
“We have a strong track record of implementing some of the latest technologies to assist our staff to provide effective, high-quality patient care. That’s why we are part of the OneLondon eMHA programme that will help join up emergency mental health care across the capital for the benefit of patients. I am grateful to everyone involved in helping us launch the new eMHA by Thalamos system for Mental Health Act work here at the Trust. We look forward to hearing from service users, families and staff about their experiences of the new software and its impact on our care.”
Find out more information about the OneLondon eMHA programme here.
