Informatics in Primary Care (BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT)
Not a member yet
595 research outputs found
Sort by
Acquiring, encoding, and re-using clinical knowledge in PRODIGY
Get PDFThe development, implementation and maintenance of computer-executable clinical guidelines encompass a series of complex processes. As they are often performed by more than one organisation, this introduces further complexity. Within the PRODIGY project we attempt to control as many aspects of the process as possible, in order to increase the likelihood of achieving success. To illustrate the complexity of the process and many of the inherent problems and solutions, this paper describes the evolution of the PRODIGY knowledge base, describing the steps from acquiring knowledge, through encoding, to the execution of guidelines, and 'closing the loop' by discussing an approach to knowledge re-use. We will also consider some of the wider implications of our work and propose directions for future research and development activities
Stimulating convergence of clinical and lifestyle perspectives on the web: asthma as an example
Get PDFThe paper explores the quality issues and principles of presenting information, for both professional and lay audiences, in an area where there is also potential synergy in increased knowledge exchange between health and lifestyle professions whose current inter-working is very limited. It requires an investment in dialogue, joint research and an understanding of the indicators of quality that relate to 'fitness for purpose' in this situation. Using the example scenario, information relating to exercise and asthma, the paper concludes that decisions on what interventions are best for a specific individual based on cross-validated web-based information could then be made in a more informed way and bring about enhanced patient outcomes. This timely convergence is consistent with the strategic direction of European and NHS plans
What might a health information system look like?
Get PDFA health information system is more than just an electronic patient database. It is also more than a reporting system for healthcare data. It is a precondition for a modern healthcare system driven by information rather than by resources or norms. However, we have not yet seen such a system operating anywhere. In this paper we try to draft a general framework for a health information system, link it to evidence-based support mechanisms for both clinical and administrative decision making and present it as an integral part of our healthcare systems
Open source and international health informatics: placebo or panacea?
Get PDFThe authors explore the history of open source software and how the future of this paradigm can affect global changes to healthcare informatics. They identify four key requirements:
1 to establish an international health informatics open source (IHI-OS) community
2 to develop a kernel that is broad enough but also provides sufficient detail to be usable across international boundaries and across medical disciplines
3 to develop a business case for international health informatics open source
4 to develop international standards
The computerisation of Australian general practice 1998_2001 - what did we get for AU$15 000 000?
Get PDFIn 1998 the Commonwealth government provided AU$15 000 000 towards a three-year project to support the computerisation of Australian general practice. This initiative was carried forward by the peak national body for information technology in general practice, the General Practice Computing Group (GPCG). This paper describes the activities of the GPCG, how this money was spent, and includes the evaluation of this three-year project which has resulted in computers on the desktops of the majority of Australia's GPs
Comparing two digital consumer health television services using transaction log analysis
Get PDFUse is an important characteristic in determining the success or otherwise of any digital information service, and in making comparisons between services. The source of most use data is the server logs that record user activity on a real-time and continuous basis. There is much demand from sponsors, channel owners and marketing departments for this information. The authors evaluate the performance of use metrics, including reach, in order to make comparisons between two services and discuss the methodological problems associated with making such comparisons. The two services were: Living Health, managed by Flextech and distributed by Telewest, and NHS Direct Digital, managed by Communicopia Data and distributed by Kingston Interactive Television. The data were collected over the period August 2001 to February 2002. During this period, the two sites were visited by approximately 20 000 people who recorded more than three-quarters of a million page views
