News
Three thousand practices using GP2GP for transfer of
records for new patients
1 February 2008
NHS Connecting for Health has announced that the GP2GP electronic
record transfer system for GPs has reached 3000 installations and over
64,000 patient-record transfers.
GP2GP enables electronic health records to be transferred directly
and securely between GP practices. Once a patient's identity has been
confirmed, their electronic health record can be requested and, if their
former practice is GP2GP-enabled, transferred electronically.
The process usually happens within minutes, with the patient's record
then being available to integrate into the receiving practice's clinical
system. This is in contrast to the process for transferring paper-based
records, which can take anything from a few weeks to a few months.
GP practices that have GP2GP enabled can see newly-registered patients
and have access to all information they need about their medical history
and health status in time for their first consultation.
The system was first piloted in 2005 in Gateshead with practices
using EMIS GP software and on the Isle of Wight with practices using
INPS software. The early version only allowed transfer between practices
with the same software. However, GP2GP version 1.1, which enables
transfer between different suppliers' GP systems was trialled in Croydon
early in 2007 and is being used for the national rollout. Practices
given the earlier version are being upgraded.
EMIS reported last year that it was on target to reach 2300 out of
the 5000 practices with its systems by December, rolling out to 300
practices a month. This means that the vast majority of rollouts at
present are in EMIS-using GP practices.
Other GP system suppliers are expected to join the GP2GP rollout
later this year.
Dr Guhendran Ravi-Shanker, a GP at St James Medical Centre in Croydon,
has been using GP2GP since December 2006. "GP2GP is a fantastic example
of how IT can support seamless, continuity of care," he says. "It really
works! From the moment a patient registers with the practice, I have a
responsibility for that patient's care and the most important thing for
me is being able to continue with the on-going management of that
patient's treatment. With GP2GP, I can do this immediately. It makes
such a difference, especially when treating patients with chronic
conditions."
More information
NHS Connecting for Health GP2GP website:
www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/systemsandservices/gpsupport/gp2gp
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