How often do GPs use rapid computer access to laboratory results? A description of 18 months' use by 72 practices in Tayside

A review of Primary Care Informatics: past progress, present reality, future prospects

“…Two papers from Scotland review the electronic communication of clinical data to primary care, one looking at rapid access to laboratory results [86], and the other studying electronic discharge information [87]. These studies should be instructive for health systems looking to integrate clinical data across sectors and from different sources.…”

Information communications technology in general practice: cross-sectional survey in London

“…Last year two studies from Scotland described the use of ICT at the interface between primary and secondary care, reporting on experience with an electronic immediate discharge document and the use, by GPs, of rapid computer access to laboratory results. 7,8 Little is known about the pattern of use of ICT in general practice, about the innovative use of ICT or the factors which either inhibit or facilitate the implementation of IT strategies. Our survey was designed to examine and analyse the current use of ICT in general practices in London, with a particular focus on determining the extent to which practices have now become 'paper-light' or paperless (see Box 1).…”

Integrating clinical information in NHS Scotland: the role of Scottish Care Information Store

“…It is obviously valuable to be able to see such results within minutes of them being analysed, as this reduces the requirement for telephone calls. 3 Look-up access will always have its place, especially as it offers viewing of all results of tests on individuals, including those initiated in hospital, assuming the access protocols have been agreed. However, looking up a remote repository has its limitations, for example a separate log-on and password are required and having clinical information that is not integrated with the primary care record on the GP's system.…”