Introducing a nationally shared electronic patient record: case study comparison of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Aim: To compare the experience of the four UK countries in introducing nationally accessible electronic summaries of patients' key medical details, intended for use in emergency and unscheduled care episodes, and generate transferable lessons for other countries.

Method: Secondary analysis of data collected previously on all four schemes; cross-case comparison using a framework derived from diffusion of innovations theory.

Main Findings: Whilst all four programmes shared a similar vision, they differed widely in their strategy, budget, implementation plan, approach to clinical and public engagement and approach to evaluation and learning.