Concerns rise over Helseplattformen health record system in Norway’s Mid-Norway region

Concerns are mounting over the introduction of the health record system, Helseplattformen, in Norway’s Mid-Norway region. Following critical findings from the National Audit Office, several stakeholders, including politicians and union representatives, have urged Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre to take action, even calling for the resignation of the governing board of Helse Midt-Norge, the regional health enterprise responsible for hospitals in Trøndelag and Møre og Romsdal. However, after a recent meeting, the minister decided against removing the board.

In a statement, Minister Vestre asserted that he expects Helse Midt-Norge to systematically address the discrepancies and learning points identified in the audit report. He stressed the urgency of rectifying weaknesses in the system and emphasized that feedback from healthcare professionals must be taken seriously.

The Helseplattformen system aims to streamline patient records and communication across municipalities, hospitals, and private specialists in Mid-Norway, enhancing patient safety and efficiency. However, its rollout has revealed significant information flow issues, resulting in decreased patient safety and reduced efficacy in care.

The audit concluded that the implementation of Helseplattformen at St. Olavs Hospital and in Trondheim has jeopardized patient safety and led to unexpected costs, compounded by the low engagement of general practitioners and specialists with the system. Currently operational in 28 municipalities and seven hospitals, Helseplattformen serves over 33,000 users daily, with ongoing efforts to resolve its shortcomings.