Northern Ireland Issues Integrated ICT Strategy
The Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has issued a consultation document on developing integrated IT systems that sets out how it plans to use information and communications technology (ICT) to provide joined-up health and social care. The proposals are aimed at introducing fully ICT-enabled health and social care. Key elements […]
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Oxford Clinical Intranet Links Local NHS
The potential of networked local NHS communities is being demonstrated in Oxfordshire by the Oxford Clinical Intranet, which uses easy-to-use Internet technology to make test results electronically available to GPs. Where in the past getting test results depended on doctors making time-consuming phone calls or awaiting paper results by mail, the new system — developed […]
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Couch Potatoes Called to Account
Researchers have reported that nagging overweight patients with an automated phone call system, encouraging them to eat less and take more exercise, can have a positive effect. A project by the Centre for the Advancement of Health in Washington DC, involved almost 300 people with sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets. The study found that instead […]
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NHSIA Names Preferred IT Trainer
The NHS Information Authority has named a consortium led by Spring IT Training as preferred supplier to deliver basic IT skills training for everyone working in the NHS through the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). The consortium led by Spring IT Training and including Learn ECDL and NCC Education, was selected after a six month […]
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Pharmacy2U Launches NHS Repeat E-prescriptions Service
Pharmacy2U, the UK’s leading mail order and online pharmacy site, have launched a pilot electronic prescribing electronic service to enable patients to self-manage their NHS prescriptions online. Patients who have signed up for the NHS electronic transmission of prescription pilot in the South East — one of three national pilots being funded by the DoH […]
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Luton & Dunstable Recognised for EPR Work
The Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Trust has been recognised in this year’s Public Private Finance Awards for the first stage of its Electronic Patient Record (EPR) project. The award was made to Luton & Dunstable and software supplier iSOFT in the category of best operational project under £20 million. Luton & Dunstable were nominated […]
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Electronic Systems Could Free Up Millions of GP Appointments
Cutting out unnecessary GP paperwork, such as filling out repeat prescriptions and sick notes, could save up to 3.2 million GP appointments, concludes a new report. Freeing up GPs time by removing unnecessary and cumbersome red tape, and introducing electronic communications and electronic prescribing, would also provide patients with faster access to their GP. Routine […]
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IT Strategy – You Have Your Say
E-Health Insider’s request for fantasy IT strategies for the NHS struck a chord with many of you who sent in a range of suggestions over the course of the week. A common theme was the feeling that any new IT strategy must have a strong thread of cultural change and people management, and that a […]
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ComMedica Unveils Web-Based Patient Record
ComMedica, a spinout company from London University’s Imperial College of Science and Technology, this week formally unveiled its Patient Record Library System (PiRiLiS) at the Princess Margaret Hospital, Windsor. The web-based system is being used for pathology and radiology records initially and is receiving enthusiastic support from consultant users who can gain remote access to […]
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Virtual Consultations Could Save Unnecessary Tests
A large scale telemedicine trial published in The Lancet demonstrates that virtual outpatient appointments conducted using videoconference technology can reduce unnecessary and duplicated tests and improve patient satisfaction. Unexpectedly, however, the study did not produce a drop in the number of follow up appointments needed after the initial consultation. In fact 52% of patients in […]
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