Less than half of nurses think electronic patient records are more secure than traditional paper-based systems, according to a survey.

Just 49% of nurses believe electronic records to be safer than paper, the survey published by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) found. The results highlight the importance of demonstrating to nurses how beneficial IT systems can be.

More than half (52%) of the 1,300 nurses questioned had not received any IT training during work hours in the last six months. Some 59% of those polled, who are all members of the RCN, said they need extra training.

Two-thirds (66%) believe electronic patient records would save them time in their job. The Government`s drive for savings to be made across UK health services mean that services such as eHealth will be needed to boost NHS efficiency.

Chief executive & general secretary of the RCN Dr Peter Carter said: "The fact that so many nurses are worried about the security of electronic patient records reflects the need for improved education, training and consultation for staff in this area.

"We know that poor consultation with staff can often result in ineffective IT systems, which fail to deliver the promised improvements, so it is vital that nurses` voices are heard and their opinions taken on board.

"Electronic patient records will save nurses time, allowing them to work more efficiently and freeing them up to focus on frontline activities and providing the best possible patient care."

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