The increased use of electronic systems is, however, expected to result in cost savings. Mr Dobson said, 'Information technology has a central role in the government's ambition to renew and modernise the NHS and for the first time it will be geared towards helping doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to treat patients, rather than churning out figures to support the internal market'. He said many current central information requirements would be scrapped, describing them as 'a useless burden on frontline NHS staff'. New initiatives will include the development of a drug directory, a national electronic library for health, the connection of every GP practice to the 'NHSNet', and the appointment of IT specialists at primary care level. Booking outpatient appointments will be easier and prescriptions will be ready more quickly.
Confidentiality is seen as a key issue.
BMA Chairman Dr Ian Bogle said he welcomed the shift in strategy from management and finance to patient care. It is aimed specifically at NHS professionals. There is also an expanding library of 'best practice' healthcare IT studies and links to other expert healthcare IT companies websites. The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for educational and cultural relations. Registered in England as a Charity.