A key component of the ITK initiative is the establishment of an NHS ITK User Forum. This provides a mechanism for local NHS organisations to share their integration issues and ensure that the ITK is focussed on addressing proven business needs.

In particular the Forum identifies common business requirements, agrees priorities and supports the development of ITK specifications. In addition it provides the opportunity whereby local project and vendor intelligence can be shared across the whole of the NHS.

NHS ITK User Forum membership is open to representatives from any NHS organisation:

• The initial User Forum attracted 74 delegates from 57 organisations.
• Major events are held every 4-6 months.

The ITK User Forum membership has elected a Management Group to represent the Forum and provide a formal mechanism for advising DH on the direction and priorities for the ITK.

The management group comprises 14 members drawn from a diverse range of NHS organisations. The current Chair is the Director of ICT Services at Worcestershire Health ICT Services.

The forum was asked to prioritise over 20 individual projects. The prioritised list is now being evaluated for technical feasibility and how widely adoptable the final solution would be within the NHS. This process ensures that development is focussed on projects which will be of greatest value to the broadest audience possible.

Two projects which appear to be leading the list with good support and immediate adoption are:

• Acute admission/discharge notifications to external organisations
• Health and Social Care Integration