What is GP2GP?

GP2GP is a project which enables the Electronic Health Record (EHR) of a patient to be transferred securely and directly to a new practice when the patient registers at that practice. The EHR should be available at the new practice within 24 hours of the patient registering - but will normally be a lot quicker than this.

Where is the project up to?

After extensive early adopter trials the national roll-out of GP2GP is now underway. The roll-out currently involves practices with EMIS LV 5.2 and INPS Vision 3 but other suppliers and software products will join in the future. Full details of implementation schedules are being communicated to GP2GP leads within PCTs.

Is GP2GP capable of transferring records between systems supplied by different suppliers?

Yes, the version of GP2GP being rolled-out at the moment - version 1.1 - enables the transfer of EHRs between different clinical systems. This version was successfully trialled in Croydon PCT.

What suppliers has the GP2GP project been working with?

The table below details those GP clinical system suppliers which are currently liaising with the GP2GP project, together with the products which are GP2GP compliant, and those which are still in development.

What links are there between GP2GP and the NHS Care Records Service (NHSCRS)?

GP2GP is a separate initiative from the NHS Care Records Service (NHS CRS). GP2GP enables electronic health records (EHRs) to be transferred directly between GP practices. The transfers take place over the Spine, but no clinical information from the records is retained on the Spine. In addition, simple patient and GP details are validated on the Personal Demographic Service prior to the EHRs being transferred. 

What impact could GP2GP have on my practice's N3 network speeds?

We have had no instances of GP2GP affecting network speeds within practices. PCTs need, however, to ensure that practices meet the general practice infrastructure requirements set out on the GPSoC section of the NHS Connecting for Health website.

Have the GPC/RCGP Good Practice Guidelines been updated to reflect the introduction of GP2GP?

Yes, the guidelines have been updated to reflect GP2GP and other matters relevant to management of EHRs. The Good Practice Guidelines should be read and understood at each participating practice prior to the implementation of GP2GP.

Will GP2GP be safe?

Yes, because of the clinical safety approach we have taken we are confident that GP2GP is safe. A team led by clinicians appointed by the Joint GP IT Committee (representing the Royal College of GPs and the General Practitioner Committee of the British Medical Association) have been responsible for detailed scrutiny of the safety of GP2GP at all stages of its development and deployment.

Clinicians are engaged in clinical validation of GP2GP and results have been used to demonstrate safety to the NHS Connecting for Health Clinical Safety Committee prior to authorising live GP2GP patient electronic health record transfers. The GP2GP software was rigorously tested and trialled in a live environment before the current roll-out began.

What is the project's position on local initiatives to introduce CD transfer of patient records between GP practices?

We are well aware that some PCTs and practices have been exploring CD transfer as an interim solution. These activities have not been scrutinised by, and are outside the jurisdiction of, NHS Connecting for Health. We cannot therefore comment on their suitability or their safety. PCTs and practices who are involved should ensure they have taken steps to assure themselves that the processes involved are safe and reliable.

What are you doing to engage stakeholders in the programme?

We have been talking to GP-representative bodies since the project got underway and they have played a very influential part in our work. For instance, both the GPC and the Royal College of GPs have representatives on the GP2GP Project Board. We will continue to liaise with the GP-representative bodies and other stakeholders throughout the life of the project.

Where can I get more information on GP2GP?

Check out these web pages on a regular basis - they are the definitive source of information on the GP2GP project. If you have a specific query please email the project at gp2gp@nhs.net.

Where can I find materials to assist with communication about GP2GP within my practice or PCT?

PCT GP2GP leads and practices receive a comprehensive Briefing Pack prior to the implementation of GP2GP in their area. The Briefing Pack documents can be downloaded from the Implementation page, as can an introductory presentation with speaker notes.