In message <001001c43f17$0d5aaae0$3c00a8c0@pca>, Laurie Slater
<[log in to unmask]> writes


>There are best practice groups being set up to look at how ICRS will
>work in clinical (and other) settings, which are starting now and will
>continue over the coming months. In my opinion these groups represent
>the first real opportunity for GPs to feed back to GPs on exactly what
>ICRS will mean for front line general practice and for our patients. The
>best practice meetings have been advertised and so far uptake has been
>low.

I haven't seen any advertisements - do you know where they are being
advertised?

>Not all that surprising coming at a time when our profession is
>struggling with internal restructure. The notice given for the meetings
>has also been impossibly short and the timetables have not been
>sympathetic to the needs of full time GPs. NPfIT are aware of these
>problems and seem keen to address them as they recognise the vital
>importance of GP input at this stage.

The problems of GPs being able to get off surgeries has been a feature
of NHS life since 1990 at least!
How come NPfIT has only just become aware of a problem which, in view of
the job description of GPs , should be obvious in management terms?

> Best practice meetings are only
>likely to attract GPs with a specific interest in IT (GP-UK list members
>for example) and anyone who wants to take part will shortly be able to
>find the details of what, when and where on the London LMC website.

Laurie, are these meetings *only* being held in London? And are they
related to the London LSP (BT), or to the NPfIT - or even the NHS in
England?

I'm sure details should be on the London LMC website - but is that the
best place to advertise their existence - assuming it's the only place?

Snip

>The timing is such that the early starters in London will not get much
>benefit from the best practice groups. The plans are for a rolling
>process where the various systems are subject to refinements recommended
>by the best practice groups as they take place.

Does this mean that the best practice groups are a permanent feature,
and that the "various systems" will be continued indefinitely?
This approach will, of course, force convergence in function..

Do the Best Practice Groups include *all* sectors of the Health
Community?

>So it is not likely that
>we will ever be presented with "This is the final product you have to
>use", but more likely "This is the current release in a limited roleout
>and if it is not suitable let us know and we will change it". Whether or
>not the system has been designed to be capable of accommodating radical
>recommendations from the profession along the lines of "The premise on
>which smart cards are based is not acceptable" remains to be seen. On
>account of its enormous scope and breakneck speed, the ICRS locomotive
>has acquired a massive momentum. Any significant change in direction
>(from the bearings which we still do not know!) would require a large
>force and a significant risk of derailment.

I still haven't had my question answered - What is there in it for me?
Or to rephrase this: Can you make a good business case for embracing the
NPfIT?

Slightly more optimistic than I was two days ago - meeting yesterday.

Mary

--
Mary Hawking