Leading UK primary care IT supplier EMIS has issued new guidance to practices using its systems stating the firm’s long-term commitment to the NHS market and to continue to invest in developing its systems, despite not being an official supplier under the National Programme for IT. In a letter to users the company’s directors state: “We have been prompted to write to our users because we have become aware of ‘anti-EMIS’ speculation and misrepresentation (intended or otherwise)." They restate the firm’s position as wanting to work closely with other suppliers and the NPfIT; committed to the objectives of NHS IT modernisation; and carrying out the requisite development work needed to integrate with NPfIT systems on a pro bono basis. It warns, however, that despite the clearly stated policy that practices should have a choice of systems and not be forced to switch supplier there was evidence that practices are still coming under pressure to do so. Despite the joint BMA and NPfIT statement in April, reiterating that GPs will be provided a choice of systems and “under no circumstances should practices be compelled or coerced for the sake of commercial expediency into changing from a system with which they are familiar and which meets their specific needs in favour of a lesser system", the EMIS letter says that some practices are still coming under pressure to switch systems. “We are aware of evidence suggesting that some PCTs have recommended an early move to new systems with the promise that the required levels of functionality will appear at some time in the future – even when the required levels of functionality is already present in their current system." Rather than NPfIT or PCTs it is clinicians and other health workers who are best placed to make the judgement on functionality, usability and timing, says the letter. Instead of trying to force through changes of systems, the letter states that it would be “wise to maintain the status quo until a real alternative is offered that not only fully meets clinical needs and offers a better resource than the one they currently have, but has proven experience of proper implementation and support." The letter goes on to state: “EMIS’s long-term commitment is to continue the development of our clinical systems – systems that will be developed specifically for your needs but also fully compliant and interoperable with whatever NHS strategic IT infrastructure is in place as a result of National Programme for IT (NPfIT)." It claims that EMIS LV and PCS systems are close to completing successful testing for the National Programme’s Phase 1 Release 1 functionality (P1R1) covering user authentication, patient demographic service and e-booking, and using the NHS Care Records Service (CRS). Development work is also said to be underway for P1R2. Stressing the firm’s commitment to investing in the development of its systems, the letter says “EMIS’s financial position is strong and we plan to invest even more heavily in accelerated development to enhance the breadth and depth of our systems and services." Pointing to the fruits of recent development work the letter says: “Many products are already delivering benefits well ahead of NPfIT requirements." It points to EMIS Access – an online booking systems for GP appointment, and EMIS PCS Enterprise – a system designed to provide pan-PCT integrated primary care functionality.
