Royal College of GPs launches tech manifesto

The Royal College of GPs has said that a robust and joined-up IT system across the NHS needs to be prioritised before a technological 'revolution' in patient care can truly happen.

It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of GP practices could soon be using outdated IT systems that are not suitable for the demands of future care. Therefore, the new tech manifesto recognises the exciting potential of genomics, AI, digital medicine and robotics to potentially revolutionise patient care and improve patient safety.

However, the college says that widespread improvement will only be possible once robust, secure IT systems are in place for all GP practices and all areas of the NHS have access to computer networks which seamlessly link up the patient journey. It wants all GP practices to have: modern, digitally-enabled premises with fully interoperable IT systems; access to secure high-speed broadband facilities; and access to a single shared electronic patient record which documents patient interactions throughout the NHS.

Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "GPs have always embraced new technology. General practice was the first NHS sector to have electronic prescribing and electronic patient records so we know how beneficial new technology can be and we recognise its huge potential to help our patients.

"GPs want the latest, cutting-edge tech at our disposal but we need the basics to work first. That means everything from making sure that our computers don't crash while issuing a prescription, to making sure our systems talk to those in all hospitals so that we can improve the care and experience that our patients receive throughout the NHS.

"We want the NHS to be a world leader in technology, and we are ready for a new wave of exciting opportunities which have the potential to revolutionise patient care, but a lot of work is needed before that can happen, and we need to ensure sure that these opportunities are embraced safely and sustainably with GPs at the centre of changes."

Nic Fox, NHS Digital’s Director of Primary Care Technology, said: “NHS Digital will continue to be at the forefront of supporting the digital modernisation in GP practices, which will be of huge benefit to doctors and their patients. Practices need systems that are modern, resilient, support efficient working, and are truly interoperable.

“The GP IT Futures framework which will be available from later this year will put in place standards that will greatly improve the seamless sharing of patient information between care setting, which will free up valuable clinical time for patient care and ensure that critical information is available to clinicians. It will provide general practice with a real choice of systems and make switching, or adding new digital products to their existing estates, more simple.”