PRIMIS+ Training Package

PRIMIS+ have worked closely with the GP2GP project to produce a new online learning resource which will support practice staff in managing electronic health records more effectively. The learning resource is based on the supplement to the Good Practice Guidelines which has been produced by the Joint General Practice Information Technology Committee (JGPITC).

GP2GP and PDS Searches

One of the key processes in performing GP2GP transfers is to ensure a correct match for the new patient on PDS.

EMIS and INPS have produced PDS search guides for GP2GP and we encourage users to become familiar with the details of these.

INPS Vision 3 guidance documents are available for download from the INPS website.

EMIS LV - EMIS GP2GP training documents are available within the Common Room section of the EMIS website (you will need to log in to view the training documents).

Good Practice Guidelines

Before the implementation of GP2GP within a general practice, the Joint GP IT Committee (JGPITC) recommends that GPs and practice staff familiarise themselves with the Good Practice Guidelines that have been prepared by the Department of Health, Royal College of General Practitioners, and British Medical Association. Chapter 8b focuses specifically on GP2GP electronic record transfer with dedicated sections on:

• the rationale for electronic GP2GP record transfer
• the nature of electronic GP2GP record transfer
• the limitations of electronic GP2GP record transfer
• general clinical safety
• electronic and paper GP2GP record transfer
• GP electronic record quality
• GP2GP record transfer - good practice guidelines.

Ensuring clinical safety

Patient safety has been a fundamental factor throughout all stages of GP2GP development and testing. With over 50% of practices in England now using the system, uptake of GP2GP is making steady progress. It is, therefore, essential that GPs and practice staff have a clear understanding of clinical safety when handling patients' electronic health records.

Endorsed by the JGPITC, the clinical safety guidance (PDF 218Kb) is designed to help GPs and practice staff develop confidence in their use of GP2GP. A summary of the guidance is also available in presentation format (PPT 139Kb).

Prepared by national GP2GP clinical safety experts, this document has a specific focus on the clinical safety issues and procedures that should be considered by all users when dealing with patient records that have been, or are likely to be, transferred between practices by GP2GP.

Student Medical Practices

To support University practices who manage large volumes of transfers within a short period of time, the GP2GP team has produced a case study and guidance for University practices.

University Guidance (PDF 15Kb) - a new checklist is available for University practices processing high volumes of records.

GP2GP decommissioning guidance for PCTs

Primary care trusts (PCTs) must inform the GP2GP project team and the old Clinical Systems Supplier where a practice is moving from a GP2GP enabled system, onto another clinical system. GP2GP Decommissioning Guidance for PCTs (PDF, 11KB)

It is the PCT's responsibility to notify the GP2GP team and the old Clinical Systems Supplier at least two weeks before migration by submitting details via the GP2GP Decommissioning Spreadsheet (Excel, 19KB)

GP2GP end-points will be revoked for migrating practices in line with the End Point Control Process (PDF, 20Kb)

Autosend

Dr Paul Cundy, Co-Chair of the Joint GP IT Committee and a member of the GP2GP Project Board, explains 'autosend' - why GP2GP allows electronic health records to be delivered automatically, upon request