Onlookers and interested parties from around the world have long been following the progress of the UK’s landmark National Programme for IT. More recently, American doctor and researcher Dr Richard Cook has developed a short analysis of NPfIT and the implications for the US government’s investment in clinical healthcare IT, accessible here.
Apparently, the much-publicised delays and failings are giving US observers nightmares, with patient safety, suitability of technology and value for money key concerns, concerns shared by many onlookers and indeed MPs in the UK.
Such concerns are a far cry from the praiseworthy goals of the programme, to connect GPs and hospitals to ensure NHS staff have access to the patient data they need to make timely and informed clinical decisions, and improving the quality of care delivered.
Those in favour argue the new IT systems are delivering better, safer and faster care, that costs are being controlled, and that NPfIT will play a key role in helping to deliver truly world-class care.
With the USA making committed steps towards following the UK in offering universal healthcare, the lessons being learnt here will no doubt prove invaluable to US policy makers, in helping them to shape healthcare for future generations and to reduce the healthcare inequalities that exist.
