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With regard to the debate about the national programme
for IT in the NHS (Computer Weekly, 31 August),
Manpreet Pujara, chairman of the Emis User Group
brings proven technology, 55% of English GP’s
and huge local expertise and support to the NHS
IT. As new techniques now allow the swapping of
accurate data across IT systems without reworking
or linking them up, why scrap proven systems and
alienate end users? After all, the data is being
delivered. Tried and tested systems lower risk to
patients and crime and disorder partnerships prove
time and again that data sharing is a waste of time
without local support. The case for keeping proven
IT strengthens further if LSP experience with new
technology is considered.
Take electronic patient records, staff and patient
security for example. A 98% accurate biometric
authenticates who I am but linking it to data
about me held by the NHS across lots of databases
generates errors. For example there are 2 million
more NHS numbers than patients or a 1 in 25 chance
of linking the wrong patient record to the wrong
number - a problem known of by government and
LSP’s for 25 years.
If LSP’s had any idea why these errors
occurred they’d have fixed them. Auditing
the NHS IT programme is not an IT issue, it is
a data issue. Stick with existing IT such as Emis
and maintain local support. Fix the data issues
and link data across these systems - as opposed
to the systems themselves. When locals are happy
that intelligence coming out is correct, then
make the big IT changes to deliver it.
Adrian
McKeon
Managing
Director
Infoshare
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