Mapping software could offer way out of data maze
A software package that uses geocoding to display patient and clinican data on Ordnance Survey maps has been installed in Harrow PCT, with the hope that it will allow clearer display of resource allocation and healthcare trends across the area. Matthew Spencer, marketing manager at manufacturer Mapinfo, told EHI about what benefits the program, MapInfo Health […]
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Urgent need for joined-up IT to improve US healthcare
An influential new report identifies fragmentation as a key cause of problems in the American healthcare system and says IT can play a key role in creating a more integrated, patient-centric approach. The report says, however, that the IT infrastructure in use in US healthcare is itself fragmented, hindering efforts to improve patient care. It […]
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Patients offered selective consent still mistrust EHR
Patients who have given consent for parts of their electronic health record to be shared among healthcare providers remain confused and worried about who has access to their personal information, with many calling the perceived lack of privacy “scary” and “horrifying", a study in Canada has found. The study references a recent British Medical Journal […]
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Software can read scans and detect heart disease
A computer program being developed in Finland could help to diagnose heart problems by interpreting images of the heart taken over magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The system, which runs on a normal PC, is able to fragment and process a full MRI scan (around 250 images). It does this by measuring particular parts of the […]
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NHS electronic appraisals to be extended
An online package for filling out NHS appraisals is to be extended from GPs and consultants to more levels of staff, namely staff and associate specialists and non-consultant career grades. The NHS Appraisal Toolkit allows doctors to prepare their documentation at both pre- and post-appraisal, keep an “electronic appraisal record" and also share the signed-off […]
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Over 5,000 GP practices now ready for QMAS
The Department of Health have announced that over 5,000 out of the 9,000 GP practices in England are now able to use the Quality Management and Analysis System (QMAS), the web-based feedback system that automatically uploads practice activity data for GPs to be paid and monitored under the new General Medical Services contract. QMAS was […]
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Aidan Halligan to leave NPfIT for top Irish job
Professor Aidan Halligan (right), deputy chief medical officer and joint senior responsible officer of the National Programme for IT (NPfIT), is leaving to take up the top post in the Irish health service, it was announced today. Professor Halligan’s departure means that the NPfIT has lost its two most senior clinical leads in less than six months. In […]
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NPfIT to offer NHS staff temporary roles within LSPs
The National Programme for IT is planning a ‘Supplier Attachment Scheme’ (SAS) that will allow NHS staff to ‘temp’ for LSPs in roles including change management, helpdesk support and staff training. “The roles will be of interest to a range of NHS staff with an interest in how IT can benefit the delivery of better patient […]
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Trusts told to end local PACS procurements
All English NHS trusts have been told they must immediately end any PACS (Picture Archiving and Storage System) procurements after the Department of Health’s belated decision to make PACS a ‘core’ service. As first reported by E-Health Insider last week PACS will now be made a core service and existing trust PACS procurements will have […]
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Glasgow network makes light work of data display
NHS Greater Glasgow has finalised the installation of a high-speed network that links all 19 PCTs and around half of the GP surgeries with Glasgow City Council allowing health and social care data to be collated and examined in one place, as well as fast transfer of images and pictures. A powerful portal system has […]
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