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Despite the growing adoption of electronic medical records, paper-based bedside note-taking remains common in Australian and New Zealand hospitals. Nurses and clinicians often rely on paper charts for observations, medication records, and handover notes, particularly when electronic systems are unavailable or during system downtime.

Paper documentation is valued for its accessibility and speed at the bedside, but introduces risks such as fragmented information, duplication, and potential loss of critical data. While many hospitals are transitioning to digital platforms, hybrid models persist, with paper serving as a backup or complement to electronic systems, especially in acute and rural settings. 

Transitioning from paper-based to electronic patient records (EPR) is critical in modernising healthcare systems. A recent study in Cureus explored how a UK hospital successfully adapted its existing software to create a cost-effective, clinician-friendly EPR system. The findings offer valuable insights for hospitals worldwide, including those in Australia and New Zealand, where digital transformation remains a priority.