Product Description

The NHS computer project is the biggest and the most expensive IT project in world history, but why is it needed? What does it aim to achieve? This book spells out the real objective of the programme. This is not simply a plan to computerise our medical records; it is a project to transform the way that the NHS works. This book is a comprehensive but highly accessible examination of the past, present and possible future of managing patient data. The reader is introduced to the layers of computing that will fit together to create a single patient record. Patient security and confidentiality are discussed, along with the practical issues surrounding the introduction of the programme. The IT project has evolved from government strategies, pilots and initiatives that date back over a quarter of a century or more. The NHS is home to a startling legacy of IT systems and processes that have each made their mark on the service. The reader is invited to examine these often ill-fated initiatives and see how their patchwork legacy will shape the way new computer systems will operate. The NHS IT Project provides vital information for all employees of the NHS, particularly policy makers and shapers. It will be valuable to NHS service providers, students of the NHS, patients and anyone who is interested in big projects and how they operate.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #412730 in Books
• Published on: 2005-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Customer Reviews

Rod's review of the NHS IT project
This very readable book provides an overview of NHS IT strategies over the last 30 years, and places these within the wider political and social changes which have taken place, from the knowledgeable viewpoint of someone who has played s significant role in their development.

A strong focus on policy and strategy development means there is less detail of applications at the sharp end than some readers might want, but attempts are made throughout the book to illustrate issues with patient and staff vignettes.

The book is well organised with a detailed contents list, some useful appendices and a comprehensive index. Page layout is clear although some of the diagrams might have been better in colour.

The book brings the topic up to date with detail of the National Programme for Health (NPfIT), but, as with any book in this area, in the couple of months since it was printed changes to terminology e.g. "NHS Connecting for Health" and the change of a major software supplier to the Southern Cluster of the NPfIT.

The history lesson provided shows how developments have built upon previous work, but also how some of the lessons of the past have not been learnt, and tries to draw some lessons and indulge in a little crystal ball gazing to answer the question "Will NPfIT succeed?"

A key point is brought out in the final chapters of the book which suggests that many of the decisions about software have now been made but success will depend on its adoption by all NHS staff.

If you ever had doubts about Computerising the NHS
Excellent easy to read book. Told me all I needed to know about computerising the NHS and more. If you ever had any doubts about why it badly needs doing, read Chapter 2. I am a District Nurse and currently part of a pilot site for the Programme, I was badly in need of some information as to why we were going through hell. Now I know.
Also a great resource for websites and organisations, such as Governments, Media, Universities, you name it. Well done Sean Brennan.

Excellent book both historically and looking to the future
This book is very interesting for anyone involved in NHS IT or in national scale computer projects.
It is apposite as comtemporary to the most expensive potential waste of public money this century.
This book is written by a man with a life time experience of NHS IT - almost from its beginnings, and his wealth of experience fills every page.
The way he sets out the stall of NHS IT history is particularly interesting - relating it to the history of the carriage wheel and the blinkered vision of those who have simply inherited the system and never sought to overhaul it. He also deals with the out of the box thinking that could transform NHS IT service delivery and its possible interaction with patients. However one cannot help but agree with his final analysis and feel dissatified with the current structure of the NHS IT project.