Web-based dermatology system installed in Kent
Medway NHS Trust, in Kent, have installed a new internet-based teledermatology system that allows doctors in remote locations to make clinical decisions. E-Ceptionist, based in Houston, Texas, claim that their software reduces waiting times and helps to keep down waiting lists. Kye Johnanning, spokesperson for E-Ceptionist, told E-Health Insider how the system works: "When the […]
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Combative Granger defends speed of IT reform
Richard Granger, Director General of NHS IT, has hit back at critics of his approach to implementing the national programme, saying that patient safety and the fast pace of technology continue to be the main drivers for driving change. Speaking yesterday at the Government Computing Exhibition and Conference 2004, Earls Court, Granger emphasised the benefits […]
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Radical Steps highlights serious concerns about NPfIT
The National Programme for IT is still failing to communicate what it will deliver, when it will deliver, and what the cost to local NHS organisations will be. In addition, few staff fully understand what the claimed clinical or business benefits of new systems procured will be, and clinical consultation on systems specifications remains limited. […]
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WAP can be used for reporting symptoms, study finds
Italian researchers have shown that aftercare and patient communication might be improved if patients are asked to fill in daily questionnaires using WAP on their mobile phones. The research, published in BioMed Central’s journal, found that a Wireless Health Outcomes Monitoring System (WHOMS) greatly increased the flow of information between cancer patients at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan and […]
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GP systems need to improve safety features, says NPSA
The safety features of computing systems currently in use in about three quarters of UK general practices have clinically important deficiencies, according to research funded by the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA). Researchers writing in the British Medical Journal say that all four of the systems tested may fail to signal a warning when a GP user might […]
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NPfIT urged to show confidence in NHS staff
A call for leaders of the National Programme for IT to demonstrate confidence in the capabilities and professionalism of NHS staff came at E-Health Insider’s conference in London last week. Martin Bell, director of IM&T for North Bristol NHS Trust said:“The national programme is information poor, and it needs to share and let go; it […]
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Parliamentary briefing paper sets out challenges for NPfIT
A new parliamentary briefing paper on the National Programme for IT has highlighted stakeholder involvement, communications, "imposing change on a highly devolved NHS", and the complexity of the programme each as potential areas of concern for the success of the project. ‘New NHS IT’ a Parliamentary briefing note prepared by the Parliamentary Office of Science […]
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EMIS dispute heats up
The dispute between EMIS and the National Programme for IT became increasingly heated this week with the EMIS National User Group encouraging members to write to their MP to express their concerns about the National Programme; and NHS IT Director General Richard Granger appearing to criticise EMIS’s systems. With almost 60% of GPs using EMIS […]
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EMIS refuses to sign-up with LSPs
EMIS the largest supplier of GP systems in the UK has announced that it will not sign contracts in their current form with any of Local Service Providers (LSPs) appointed to deliver the National Programme for IT (NPfIT). Dr David Stables, medical director of EMIS, told E-Health Insider that EMIS remained “basically very supportive of […]
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