There is another solution. Given that some have indicated that past records
are unimportant in most OOH consultations (eg if a kid develops otitis media
or a fractured clavicle or dad's smoker's cough gets worse) the GP on duty
could make the decision to not seek records. For the few cases where records
matter (the little old lady with worsening heart failure who takes "the
little white pills, doctor") the GP on duty could decide to seek records.
Each practice could have a partner who is "information partner" for that
time and who has easy access via dial up line to the practice records. A
request for the records would be sent (preferably signed by the patient) by
fax (does your telephone company offer to convert faxes to e-mails for you?)
to the known "information partner" who would resond with a meaningful
summary by e-mail or fax.
This deals with the problem of confidentiality and access to a wide range of
systems. The process should not need to be invoked very often. It could be
clearly understood that the "information partner" on duty was in no way
expected to be involved in the treatment of the patient, and could be
anywhere that the Palm Pilot, laptop etc will go.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stephen Crawshaw
Townsville, Australia.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-----Original Message-----
>>MIdge said:
><as usual, quite a lot, most of it snipped>
>
>>>It is no longer acceptable that OoH centres do not provide access to
>>>the notes, IMHO.
>>
>>
>>I know I shouldn't _really_ say this to Midge but how practically
>could one
>>do this in the _near future_ given that it is no longer acceptable not
>to
>>provide access to the notes OOH? A typical Co-op covers say 100 docs/30
>>practices
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