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Background Electronic care records (ECRs) for cystic fibrosis (CF) provide a basis for accurate, reliable capture of clinical measures and interventions, and epidemiological trends, providing the basis for improved efficiency and patient safety. Methods A primary care system was modified for hospital use and clinical codes devised for all aspects of CF care. Performance and usability were assessed. Results Of a total of 620 patients 619 consented to their data being recorded in the system. Five hundred and twenty three new codes were created and embedded behind 60 new templates. Following introduction of ECR, completion of annual assessments increased from 43% to 92%, retrieval of drug costs rose significantly and time to correspondence with primary care fell from 34 days to < 2 days. Staff satisfaction was high. Conclusion The system is fully operational allowing the unit to function as a paperless service. Efficiencies of staffing activity, process management and cost retrievals are evident. Sharing of coding structures is important in future care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]