This second pilot follows the successful first live trial of GP-to-GP transfer of electronic patient records on Tyneside last year between practices using EMIS GP clinical system software.
As well as ensuring that records are more accurate, the electronic record transfer will dramatically speed up the current process of paper-based transfers, which can take up to six weeks to complete. Some 3.3 million people change GP every year so GP-to-GP transfer will maximise the value of existing GP systems and improve the working day in many surgeries.
Dr Paul Cundy, chairman of the British Medical Association’s General Practitioners' Committee (GPC) IT committee said: "The electronic transfer of patient records from one GP surgery to another is an enormous benefit for patients and practices alike.
"This successful second live trial demonstrates that good progress on this very important component of the work of NHS Connecting for Health to modernise NHS IT is being made."
A third live trial in another primary care trust is due to commence later this year, transferring patient records between both types of GP clinical system.
The GP-to-GP project team is moving at a measured pace, working in conjunction with the GPC and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) through the joint GP IT committee. National roll out of GP-to-GP transfers will commence following the successful conclusion of live trials.
Quelle: Publictechnology, 28.02.2006
