IT system supplier EMIS has announced it will remove its ‘panic button’ feature, with GPs fearing this could jeopardise safety amid increasing levels of abuse.
The button is currently displayed in the top right-hand corner of every EMIS Web screen and staff can use it to send an alert to all other PCs that are logged on to EMIS Web.
The feature is also used to alert other members of staff that assistance is required in aggressive situations, including if they feel threatened verbally or physically.
But EMIS said that they had been made aware that certain local network configurations ‘prevent the panic button functionality from operating as designed’ and that following an internal investigation and ‘in-depth technology review,’ a decision was made to remove it for all customers from June.
An EMIS spokesperson said: ‘This decision has not been taken lightly, however, the underlying third-party technology that supports the solution is no longer reliable, and we cannot guarantee its functionality, in part due to individual network settings and ways of working.
‘We expect to begin removing the panic button functionality from EMIS Web in June 2023. We will provide further updates when a date and release version is confirmed.
‘We recommend that practices consider alternative arrangements and there are a number of specialist providers who provide both hardware and software solutions for emergency scenarios.
‘Whilst the panic button is still currently available in EMIS Web, the Service Status on EMIS Now advises that users consider putting a local plan in place for emergency situations. This will remain until the functionality is removed.’
Dr Emma Watts, a GP partner in Guildford, said that the panic button is being removed at a time that patient aggression is the highest she has ever seen.
She said: ‘I’m not sure how this aligns with the NHS zero tolerance policy. As a rural practice, emergency service back up is likely to be post event information gathering only, and with a practice staffed by mainly older ladies, we are vulnerable anyway.
‘Take away our means for a collective call for help and we are extremely vulnerable.’
Islington GP principal Dr Richard Ma, a research fellow at Imperial College London, said: ‘One of our receptionists had to use that button on Monday. We had to herd the patients to a safer area while the police and I dealt with a disturbed patient. What’s the alternative? Scream for help? Ring a bell? A klaxon?’
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire LMCs chief executive Dr Matt Mayer said: ‘Most practices who use EMIS rely on the built in panic button which is part of the system.
‘When you double click it, everyone’s screen in the practice, if they’re logged into EMIS, suddenly turns entirely red with a message saying, for example “Dr X requires urgent assistance in room 6.” Everyone who can then legs it to help.
‘I’ve seen it used several times, for example, if patient collapses so need to do CPR, or if patient aggressive and threatening staff member.’
Dr Lis Galloway, a GP partner in Surrey, said: ‘The decision by EMIS to remove the panic button due to technical issues is just another reflection of how inadequate NHS funded primary care IT is.
‘On the back of recent horrendous levels of systems failures it’s yet another way that life as a GP is becoming unsafe and intolerable.
‘The NHS may not be able to afford outstanding IT, but it should at least be functional and safe. As a practice who puts a much higher value on the safety of our staff and patients, no doubt we’ll be digging into our pockets as partners to find an alternative solution. We can’t and won’t be waiting for an alternative.’
It comes as criminal acts of violence at GP practices reported to the police have almost doubled in the last five years and increased year on year since 2017.
Keep Your Practice Safe
Management in Practice has launched a campaign to #KeepYourPracticeSafe as more GP practices across the country are facing abuse. In a series of articles, we will share how practices are responding to the issue and what can be done to help safeguard staff.
Read more stories from our campaign here:
Managing patient abuse – how one practice removed its in-person reception
How practices can safeguard their staff from the impact of patient abuse
GP practice trialling ‘meet and greet’ reception following abuse from patients
GP practice urges patients to stop abuse after staff brought to tears
How to deal with aggressive patients
Managing patient abuse: ‘We’re constantly trying to adjust our systems to help’
Practice forced to close due to abuse and receptionist shortage
And if you would like to get more involved in our Keeping our Practice Safe campaign, express a view, share an experience or write a blog/other article on the subject, please get in touch with editor Rima Evans.
A version of this story was first published on our sister title Pulse.
