Cosmic was supposed to simplify – but is a major time thief for hospitals
The implementation of the electronic medical records system Cosmic has faced significant criticism from healthcare staff in Sweden for its complexity and inefficiency since its rollout over a year ago.
The implementation of the Cosmic electronic records system in Sweden has been met with growing dissatisfaction among healthcare professionals, who assert that it has complicated rather than simplified patient management processes. Staff members report persistent, emerging issues and are uncertain about the timeline for any potential improvements. Medical secretary Netasha Sjöberg indicated that the list of additional measures required for Cosmic is extensive, highlighting a lack of clarity regarding the resolution of existing problems.
Unions such as Vision have voiced concerns over significant operational challenges, stating that accessing basic patient information can often require up to 21 clicks. District doctor and chairwoman of the Norrbotten Medical Association, Jenny Hedgren Rönnlund, emphasized that the time lost navigating the complicated system not only detracts from the efficiency of healthcare delivery but may also adversely affect patient health outcomes in the region. The prevailing sentiment among healthcare professionals underscores a critical need for a more intuitive electronic record-keeping solution.
The financial implications of adopting the Cosmic system are particularly staggering, with nine regions in Sweden investing a total of four billion SEK into its implementation. As ongoing issues exacerbate the functionality of the system, there are growing calls for a reassessment of its effectiveness and the potential reallocation of resources towards a more efficient system. The current dissatisfaction raises questions about the future direction of electronic medical records management in Sweden and the broader implications for patient care in the affected regions.