Essex Partnership Launches Digital Tool to Enhance Care for Leg Wounds and Ulcers

Key Takeaways

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is enhancing care for patients with leg ulcers using the BlueDop digital assessment technology.
This technology provides quicker, more comfortable assessments, reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes.
The launch of the new electronic patient record system, ‘Nova’, is delayed to 2027 due to integration challenges.

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has rolled out new digital technology aimed at improving the treatment and care of patients suffering from leg ulcers and non-healing wounds. The initiative is part of the southeast Essex Tissue Viability Service, which specializes in assessing and supporting patients with vascular conditions in the lower limbs.

The introduced tool, known as BlueDop, is a portable digital assessment device that includes a wireless Doppler probe and a tablet. It helps healthcare professionals quickly gather critical information about a patient’s blood circulation and any impairments, allowing for informed next steps in treatment. Holly May, a leg ulcer nurse specialist at EPUT, emphasized the advantages of this technology, stating that the BlueDop kits significantly enhance patient care.

Historically, assessing leg wounds involved using ultrasound, a method that required patients to lie flat for about 30 minutes while experiencing discomfort from a tight cuff. BlueDop technology alleviates these issues by providing comfortable and efficient assessments, which have also been linked to reducing patient anxiety. May noted the positive feedback received from patients indicates the technology’s impact on their overall treatment experience and quicker recovery times.

In addition to advancements in patient assessments, EPUT is facing delays with its joint electronic patient record (EPR) program named ‘Nova.’ Initially planned for phased implementation from late 2026 to early 2027 in partnership with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, unforeseen risks related to system integration and complexity have prompted a reassessment of the timeline. Zephan Trent, EPUT’s executive director of digital transformation and strategy, confirmed that while Oracle Health, the EPR’s supplier, has not imposed extra costs, additional resources are needed and will be reviewed. The new go-live date for the EPR has now been pushed to 2027.

Overall, while the introduction of BlueDop technology marks a significant step forward in treating leg ulcers and enhancing patient comfort, the delay in the EPR implementation highlights ongoing challenges in integrating digital solutions within healthcare systems.

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