Encompass is the digital health and social care system that replaced paper records with a single, secure electronic record for every person in Northern Ireland. It provides a platform (based on Epic software) for accessing patient information, medication management, and test results, enabling safer, faster care across all Trusts.
The system gives patients and service users the ability to view and update their health information online wherever and whenever they like. It also makes it easier for health and social care staff to view important information about their patients and service users both in a clinical setting and while working in the community.
Having one record reduces the need for information to be stored across a lot of older systems. It also allows healthcare staff to see the right information at the right time. Staff are able to work more effectively because they don’t need a lot of paper forms and are able to spend more time with patients, clients, and services users.
Encompass helps contribute positively to patient safety as the system helps prevent mistakes being made.
Benefits of encompass
- You can view, make, and manage your appointments
- View test results
- View health and wellbeing information about you and your condition
- Manage medicines and prescriptions
- Choose how you want to communicate with health and social care staff
- Contact to health and care professionals directly
- Provide information before going to appointments, allowing for more time with care professionals
The system provides access to real-time patient information, helping to reduce duplication of services and minimising the risk of errors.
Patients do not have to repeat information to different professionals providing care or have to repeat tests in different locations.
Patients are able to provide relevant, up-to-date information to support the professionals looking after them to manage their condition better.