open.substack.com/pub/rorycell... It’s a bit clunky but I am a fan of the NHS app as a way of keeping track of all my appointments. But does the American IT firm Epic which offers its hospital customers a much more sophisticated app pose a threat to this public health initiative?
The NHS doesn't need another app, it needs a consistent, distributed but connected modern architecture. An app is the window into that architecture so medics and patients can access records wherever they are in the system. Trusts and GPs are too disparate with inconsistent IT
Also, this is the problem with UK tech. We're always looking for a silver bullet from elsewhere rather than building our own (or using a Big 5 consultancy to build it and screw it up).
Currently being rolled out across Northern Ireland hospitals. Launching today in the Western and Southern Trusts. Just need the Primary Care areas to link in too
Not unusual for 2ndary care systems not to be able to interface with primary care, I've found even recently. The NHS guidance, last time I looked, didn't promise other than to provide a platform for other systems to improve. After heart searching I've stuck with Hester's Airmid app. Great graphics.
Airmid for primary care, though...
Here’s what I can tell you about patient experience with epic. Dad had major surgery last year, long time in the hospital. If he needed medication, nurse came into room, scanned her badge, scanned the med, gave it, and it all instantly uploaded to his records. Mom could keep track in real time.
As outpatient, it sent me a reminder last week I needed a refill. I requested through Epic app, it had my card in file, said, great, on its way. 10 seconds. It also can handle outpatient copays at the tap if a payment button on the app. (Sorry, US, unfortunately we pay.)
Personally, I think the NHS should stay well away from any US IT solution. There are plenty of excellent, capable companies in the UK and Europe that could deliver high quality solutions without all the attendant data issues involved with any US company.
Given the NHS app is developed by a team in NHS England (formerly NHS Digital), and 50% are about to lose their jobs, then probably.
Yes
Epic is also used here in Canada, launching a few months ago. As a patient, there are of course early days glitches but it’s very useful. Clinical notes/summaries pretty well instantly available.