Data re-entry overload: time for a paradigm shift in maternity IT?

This paper provides an overview of maternity information technology (IT) in Britain, questioning the usability, effectiveness and cost efficiency of the current models of implementation of electronic maternity records. UK experience of hand-held paper obstetric notes and computerized records reveals fundamental problems in the relationship between the two complementary methods of recording maternity data. The assumption that paper records would inevitably be replaced by electronic substitutes has proven false; the rigidity of analysable electronic records has led to immense incompatibility problems. The flexibility of paper records has distinct advantages that have so far not been sufficiently acknowledged. It is suggested that continuing work is needed to encourage the standardization of electronic maternity records, via a new co-creative, co-development approach and continuing international electronic community debate.