Why you should read this article:

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To understand the processes involved in introducing electronic health records in a healthcare organisation

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To explore the challenges of implementing large-scale digital change in a mental health service

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To gain awareness of the need for nurse representation and nurse leadership in digital change

Electronic health record (EHR) systems can contribute to improve the quality of care, but mental health services have been slow to adopt them. There is little research about introducing EHRs in mental healthcare settings and even less research on the role of nurses in such digital change projects. This article describes the implementation of an EHR system in a private mental health service in Ireland, focusing on the role of the nurse lead for the project. It describes the process of change according to a five-stage framework and explains how the nurse lead’s role was central in brokering knowledge and innovation and in spanning boundaries between disciplines and departments.