GPs in Harrogate are now able to request pathology tests online using an order communications system implemented by Anglia Healthcare Systems and EMIS. The new system enables test requests ordered by GPs and the subsequent reports generated to be electronically linked to secondary care systems and integrated into the GP patient record. Roll out of the ICE desktop requesting system to 23 GP practices using the EMIS primary care system is now underway and is due to be completed by the end of February 2004. The ICE desktop requesting software from Anglia Healthcare Systems enables interoperable messages to be created between primary and secondary care systems. Web browser viewing facilities also enable GPs to view pathology inpatient reports, helping them to better monitor cases of patients undergoing lithium tests or diabetes investigations. The new system was initially used to connect the Leeds Road Practice, Harrogate, to be connected to Harrogate Hospital, linking the practice’s EMIS LV 5.2 clinical system to the Masterlab pathology information system used by the hospital’s pathology department. By selecting the patient demographic details from the GP system master index the system is said to remove any need to verify the patient against less reliable community listings. This approach also enables test request details to be returned to the GP electronic patient record. Peter Mathews, a specialist system manager at Harrogate Hospitals NHS Trust Pathology Department said the new system had improved data quality and legibility providing benefits to patients, clinicians and the laboratory: "It has also allowed us to provide guidance on any specific requirements for sample collection to ensure that we get the proper sample taken at the correct time and saving the patient having to return to repeat a test." David Wilson, managing director of Anglia Healthcare Systems said: "The Harrogate work represents a significant breakthrough in message systems integration for EMIS GPs and pathology staff." Anglia Healthcare Systems says the software is now available to enable LV 5.2, and in future will be made available for EMIS PCS medical system, allowing users to connect with Masterlab, Telepath series, APEX, Medtrak, Sunquest and EDS laboratory information systems.
