On this side of the pond we have “patient portals” can Sen/receive text messages, look at test results, make apts. Now “Epic” a system largely in use in greater Boston area, can connect you with all your docs even if rival hospitals are involved. You link your self to the various portals and thus you and your docs can see everything. Thus your GP knows what is done by your cardiologist from a different hospital group.
I was an early adopter of AccuRx tools at my GP surgery 3 years ago and yes they have revolutionised General Practice and further.
All GP surgery staff nationwide would be lost without their tools, and yet many ICBs are looking for cheaper alternatives because the NHS always looks for the cheapest deal, not the best…
I like the messaging system, you get prompts about appointments etc. I do think we need to change our thinking in terms of who see and when and time frames, both patients and practitioners, as you say. But I also think it’s about patients being re-educated to accept these changes. Many will still go to the surgery rather than using online prescription ordering. The reality of what is happening in the health service today is very different, and scary, for patients and staff as patients can’t expect immediate attention. I can see it from both sides.
Technology can be a very useful tool both within community and hospital services and particularly around preventative services. The “Epic” System sounds like a major step forward, but actually in other areas, e.g. financial sector, it is not that new. Over here systems are still not properly linked, which given the amount of money that has been spent over the last few years is staggering. The DH&SC seems more interested in telling us the financial numbers rather than where the money is going, not on wages it seems. Only within the last few weeks do they seem to be asking those at the front end what might work, rather than concentrating on delivering services in the most effective way.
In my usual way a slightly rambling response, but we have to embrace every bit of useful technology we can but not forget human quirks, frailties and reluctance to change.
Hi Rory
On this side of the pond we have “patient portals” can Sen/receive text messages, look at test results, make apts. Now “Epic” a system largely in use in greater Boston area, can connect you with all your docs even if rival hospitals are involved. You link your self to the various portals and thus you and your docs can see everything. Thus your GP knows what is done by your cardiologist from a different hospital group.
Jerry from Wellesley
We are coming out of the Stone Age 😀
I was an early adopter of AccuRx tools at my GP surgery 3 years ago and yes they have revolutionised General Practice and further.
All GP surgery staff nationwide would be lost without their tools, and yet many ICBs are looking for cheaper alternatives because the NHS always looks for the cheapest deal, not the best…
I like the messaging system, you get prompts about appointments etc. I do think we need to change our thinking in terms of who see and when and time frames, both patients and practitioners, as you say. But I also think it’s about patients being re-educated to accept these changes. Many will still go to the surgery rather than using online prescription ordering. The reality of what is happening in the health service today is very different, and scary, for patients and staff as patients can’t expect immediate attention. I can see it from both sides.
Technology can be a very useful tool both within community and hospital services and particularly around preventative services. The “Epic” System sounds like a major step forward, but actually in other areas, e.g. financial sector, it is not that new. Over here systems are still not properly linked, which given the amount of money that has been spent over the last few years is staggering. The DH&SC seems more interested in telling us the financial numbers rather than where the money is going, not on wages it seems. Only within the last few weeks do they seem to be asking those at the front end what might work, rather than concentrating on delivering services in the most effective way.
In my usual way a slightly rambling response, but we have to embrace every bit of useful technology we can but not forget human quirks, frailties and reluctance to change.