Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has recently introduced BadgetNet and the accompanying app, Badger Notes to improve access to maternity records for pregnant individuals at Hull Women and Children’s Hospital. This digital platform transitions from paper-based records to an electronic patient record system, allowing users to view their maternity care record and modify their birthing preferences through a web portal or mobile app. The goal of Badger Notes is to facilitate better communication between healthcare providers and patients by ensuring care preferences are documented and accessible.
Liz Davis, Digital Midwife said: “In the past the hospital and the person who was expecting a baby each had separate paper records. If the pregnant person forgot their paper record, we would not be able to see or know what has been done in the community, likewise community may not see the hand-held notes the consultant has written. Now, with this new service, pregnant people and hospital staff both have a full record of their care, wherever they are, at whatever stage of their pregnancy journey. There’s a real shift now towards electronic record keeping and digital access. People already access many elements of their healthcare online; GP appointments, prescriptions, hospital letters and so on, so why not maternity care too? This is going to make a huge difference in the way we as professionals care for pregnant people, both during their pregnancy and in the post-natal phase. It will save a lot of time as midwives do not have to double enter data onto paper, and in this respect it will help to reduce our paper use and our environmental impact too.”
Rukeya Miah, Head of Midwifery said: “We are thrilled to bring Badger Notes to people using maternity services. This innovative system will deliver a more joined up approach across maternity care, and reflects our commitment to providing expectant families with the highest standards of support and empowerment. The system will contribute massively to improved patient information and experience, and ultimately contribute to positive maternal outcomes by increasing choice, personalisation and empowering patients participate in their maternity journey.”
Badger Notes is secured with login details to ensure privacy. The app is available for download on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, with midwives providing information on account setup during antenatal appointments.
