In message <[log in to unmask]>, Paul
Galloway <[log in to unmask]> writes

>>I see that Syntegra have put up a bid to provide GPs with hardware via
>>private companies "such as drug companies and private health insurers
>>who would give the hardware free to GPs. The pay-off for the companies
>>would be guaranteed advertising space on GPs computer screens".
>>Anyone got any comments?
>>
>
>That is the name of the game. That screen look at for 3+ hours a day is a
>valuable piece of advertising real estate.
>
>>Has anyone even thought of asking how GPs, already often reluctant to
>>spend more time on  consultation due to using a computer would view this
>>further attempt to waste time in consultations?
>
>Much the same as they view other pharma freebies such as PGEA, pens, and
>sponsored nights out for the practice I guess, with open arms :-)
>
>You have a choice Dr, buy your own hardware, or have the Pharma sponsored
>kit for free with a few banner ads which you're not obliged to click on.
>
>If GP's have foresight they will realise that their attention is a valuable
>commodity, buy their own hardware, and allow the pharmas to pay an licence
>for the pleasure of displaying their adverts.
>
>However little chance of that ,,,, :-(

There is another option
Ditch your computer system - or don't get connected to the NHSnet.

Look, the new strategy *and* the WP is based on getting all GPs
connected to the NHSnet and having a circulating EHR.
*Now* it emerges that the people who are expected to suffer - or pay -
for this are the GPs. Not only are we going to be drilled into uniform
data entry, following rigid EBM protocols (when most of what we do is
not amenable to EBM) , but we're going to be asked to pay for it!

I went into general practice to look after patients

I shall continue to look after patients

Computers give me an additional interest - and sometimes help with some
of the things I want to do: they lengthen all consultations, and tend to
move work from less expensive to more expensive elements of the work
force.

Why do we go along with this insanity?

Mary

PS Luddites went out and broke up the looms; refusnik is much more
appropriate

I'll go on using the equipment I have paid for for the porposes for
which it was purchased - patient care and practice management.
Can anyone make me a business case for taking dedicated advertising on
any terms?

Mary Hawking Kingsbury Court Surgery Church Street Dunstable LU5 4RS
tel:01582 663218 (surgery)fax:01582 476488 (surgery)
Member of British Healthcare Internet Association
Dunstable and Houghton Regis Locality Commisssioning Pilot


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