Patient records transferred electronically

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GPs in Croydon have successfully transferred electronic patient records between practices using different computer systems by means of the GP2GP interoperability system, it was announced at the Healthcare Computing Conference in Harrogate.

Reportedly the first time patients' records have been sent electronically between different GP's clinical systems, version 1.1 of the GP2GP system is being hailed as a major success for the National Health Services (NHS) IT programme and its delivery agency, Connecting for Health (CfH).

"These first transfers of GP electronic patient records between different practices using different computer systems is a watershed for patients, practices, the National Programme and the NHS," said Dr Paul Cundy, from the Joint GP IT Committee.

"This represents a significant leap forwards in the modernisation of the NHS and is a tribute to close, collaborative and clinician-led working.

Currently, when a patient opts to move to a new practice, all records must be printed off, mailed and entered into the computer system at the new clinic, meaning records are not usually available at the first consultation. As they're almost instantaneous, electronic transfers will "improve quality of care, enhance safety, increase efficiency and massively reduce the paper workload burden for practices," said Dr Cundy.

The GP2GP version 1.1 trials, conducted in Croydon, successfully transferred electronic transfers between two different computer systems. John Toole, the information management and technology manager at Croydon Primary Care Trust said: "GPs have been asking for this for years and it's been working very well."

The first version of GP2GP has rolled out to 500 practices, while the version 1.1 upgrade will be sent out across the country shortly, CfH said.

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