Medic-to-Medic, manufacturers of the Map of Medicine, have announced a deal with Fujitsu, the LSP for the Southern cluster, to make the software available to all clinicians within the area. The deal is part of a series of negotiations with LSPs by the company to make the software available nationally under NPfIT. The software, developed by Dr Owen Epstein in partnership with the Royal Free Hosptial, Hampstead, and University College London, allows local, national and specialist clinical information to be collated in one place. Subjects include accident and emergency, oncology, paediatrics and palliative care. The map is patient-focused and is organised into around 300 patient journeys. These cover many aspects of patient experience, including initial presentation at the GP’s surgery or at the A&E. According to Medic-to-Medic, Fujitsu will deploy the software across the southern cluster at the same time as upgrading local NHS IT systems. EHI understands that a deal has also been signed with Accenture to supply the software to the North-East cluster. Dr Epstein said of the system: “The map is the electronic glue to being local specialist knowledge together acting as a virtual ‘desktop consultant’ for healthcare professionals to use when the patient’s journey leads them into unfamiliar territories." He told E-Health Insider that the map metaphor was quite apt for the workings of the system. "When you go along to your doctor, your GP becomes your driver. When they start to go to areas they are less familiar with, it’s like a GP’s assistant. With it, they’re almost as good as a black cab driver. “We are trying to display the map so that doctors throughout the country will have access to clinical pathways that will allow them to delve into areas they wouldn’t find comfortable otherwise." Martin Else, chief executive of the Royal Free, said: “Our GP pilot study, conducted in 13 general practices, demonstrates that doctors use the map to support their decision-making, often after morning surgery. Two-thirds of them now use the map on a regular basis and work in A&E shows that the map is improving decision-making on admissions to hospital." More details, along with a demonstration of the software, are available on the Map of Medicine website.
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