Informatics update: February 2008 part 1
Dear all
Here is another RCN update to keep you informed of latest e-Health developments and enhance your sense of well-being (yes, I am still taking the tablets!)
Information Governance:
Have a look at the new IG addition on our site and watch this space for further developments . Also have a look at the Information Commissioner site for latest news of data loss and prompt action.
In the news:
Virtual healthcare gets UK trial. Cutting edge telemedicine technology, that will allow medical staff to offer "virtual" health care, is being trialled at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
A new Irish computer system, which costs €1.8m and implemented in a bid to improve safety and infection control at the country's blood bank, is to be abandoned
Council for Science and Technology (CST): Strategic decision making for technology policy. The CST has named e-health as one of the most promising technologies for the UK (PDF document) to focus on over the next five years, but says concerns over security and deployment timescales must be overcome.
NHS CFH has announced that it will be introducing the Essential IT Skills (EITS) Programme on 3 March 2008 to replace its European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) service which is due to close on 21st March 2008.
Surveys - need your help:
The General Medical Council’s is consulting on the principles of good practice and standards expected of doctors when they hold or share information about patients. A call is issued for groups and individuals, whether professional, public or patient oriented, as well as employers and others with an interest, to answer a set of questions to clarify views about the existing GMC guidance and to identify (by way of examples) where the biggest challenges exist for doctors in balancing respect for patients against the benefits of information sharing. The deadline for responses to this initial consultation is 29 February 2008. Registration necessary at https://gmc.e-consultation.net/confidentiality/index_https.asp
Community Nursing Team Census (Scotland): Information will be given to your CHP Nurse Manager about how to access local training events, the census and completing the form. After the census the results will be analysed by National Services Scotland (Information Services Division - ISD) and the reports published through the Data Development website
Results from the latest survey on IT investment within the NHS (England), (December 2007) are available.
Research/ Calls for proposals:
NHS National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) New and Emerging Applications of Technology (NEAT) 8th Call for proposals for Feasibility Study projects. The programme would like to invite proposals for 6-12 months Feasibility Study projects investigating proof of principle for technology applications, currently at the preliminary stage of development. Deadline for receipt of proposals: 7 March 2008
In press/ articles of interest
This second issue of the European Journal of ePractice presents a variety of case studies that show Governments are willing to experiment. From interoperability, to RFID via online portals to bridging the digital gap…
The effect of attitude to risk on decisions made by nurses using computerised decision support software in telephone clinical assessment: an observational study. "There is variation in the decisions made by telephone assessment nurses using computerised decision support software (CDSS). Variation in nurses' attitudes to risk has been identified as a possible explanatory factor".
The effect of Web 2.0 on the future of medical practice and education: Darwikinian evolution or folksonomic revolution? Article from the Medical Journal of Australia on social software in health care.
Users and non-users of web-based health advice service among Finnish university students - chronic conditions and self-reported health status (a cross-sectional study). "Among young, highly educated adults the use of a web-based health advice service is not associated with self-reported health status. However, a web-based health advice service could offer support for managing several specific chronic conditions".
Design and Implementation of an Interactive Website to Support Long-Term Maintenance of Weight Loss. This paper describes the development, implementation and use of a web-based intervention program designed to help those who have recently lost weight sustain their weight loss over 1 year.
Resources:
Incentives for Transformation: e-Health as a Strategic Health System Priority: The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) guided by a working group of hospital and regional health representatives from across the province, set out to encourage the adoption of e-Health as a strategic investment priority for Ontario. This policy paper presents clear tangible recommendations for investment and incentive mechanisms that are aligned with the successful implementation of a renewed Ontario e-Health Strategy.
A guide for useful sites for blogs, wikis etc. This guide, compiled by the Library Services Manager, will be regularly updated.
New short videos are now available online, featuring some of the most successful eTEN projects of the month from the past years as well as spotlights covering eHealth,
A new Welsh-language health encyclopaedia is now available to support the existing online English health encyclopaedia, which offers information on over 650 health conditions and medical problems. The encyclopaedia is described as an 'A to Y' because there is no 'Z' in Welsh.
Keep smiling
Sharon Levy (Mr)
RCNInformatics Adviser