Accuracy of the electronic patient record in a first opinion veterinary practice

Only 64.4% of the observed problems discussed during the consultations were recorded in the EPR. The type of problem, who raised the problem and at what point in the consultation the problem was raised significantly affected whether the problem was recorded or not in the EPR. Only 58.3% of observed actions taken during the consultations were recorded in the EPR and the type of action significantly affected whether it would be recorded or not. There was moderate agreement between the two researchers who examined the extracted data. This is the first study that examines how much of the activity that occurs in small animal consultations is recorded in the EPR. Understanding the completeness, reliability and validity of EPRs is vital if they are to continue to be used for clinical research and the results to direct clinical care.