Quicksilva and OLM Professional Services provide tech lynchpin for nationwide health screening programme
Bespoke application developed by Quicksilva to automate data sharing between GPs and Diabetic Retinal Screening programmes
The English National Screening Programme for Diabetic Retinopathy (ENSPDR) is working with Quicksilva, an independent provider of software to the private and public sector, and OLM Professional Services, a specialist provider of consultancy services to the health and social care sector, to put in place a framework for automating the sharing of data between GP practices and Diabetic Retinal screening programmes. Current information sharing processes have presented barriers to the accurate identification of screening programme participants, resulting in a significant number of individuals being overlooked. Quicksilva has developed a bespoke application, called the GP2DRS database, which will automate the collection and delivery of data to and from GPs and local screening programmes (LSPs).
At present all information sharing between GPs and LSPs is carried out manually. With 8,000 GPs in England and just under 100 LSPs to cover them, this represents a huge administration burden that is also prone to error. As a result, it can be hard to accurately identify patients that should be involved in the screening programme as well as ensuring records are fully up-to-date for individuals already participating. Built in .NET, the GP2DRS database will map out the processes for automating the collection of patient details, notification of eligibility and consent for screening, automated referrals to LSPs and the return of results to GPs.
Esther Provins, National Informatics Lead, ENSPDR said: “Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of loss of sight in the working age population. If caught early it can be successfully treated, but the current system for information sharing between GPs and LSPs represents a number of challenges due to the sheer volume of data that needs to be shared, processed and logged by both parties. This data tidal wave is impacting patients on two levels. Firstly, it restricts LSPs from identifying individuals that need to be screened. Secondly, we don’t always have the most up-to-date information about current patients, impacting the quality of service they receive.”
“The GP2DRS database will significantly overhaul how patient information is managed, resulting in a more streamlined and effective service for all concerned.”
The ENSPDR is working closely with each LSP and national NHS organisations to ensure that both parties understand the changes and are engaged in the programmes overarching objectives.
Gayna Hart, MD, Quicksilva commented: “Without question the GP2DRS database is going to a have a positive impact on the patients’ experience. LSPs are outnumbered by GPs 80 to 1, which represents a significant administrative strain for them. Automating the sharing of data, will ease the pressure point and allow them to concentrate on other activities that have a direct impact on the service they deliver which they are rightly very proud of.”
Quicksilva is delivering the GP2DRS data base in partnership with OLM Professional Services, part of the OLM Group, who deliver technology and consultancy solutions for adult and children's services, health and the corporate IT market.
Peter O’Hara, CEO, OLM Group said: “In recognition of OLM Group’s ASCC approved supplier status, which demonstrates the strength of our commitment to the sector, we are delighted to partner with Quicksilva on this project. We are proud to be involved in such a vital project that will help screening programmes across England to be more efficient and proactive.”
About Quicksilva Software Solutions
Quicksilva Software Solutions is an independent UK-based supplier of software solutions and integration services to the public and private sectors. It has a particular focus on the healthcare market, currently working in a number of areas of the NHS Connecting for Health (CfH) programme. These include the Electronic Prescriptions Service (EPS), access to the central Spine database through its Spinal Tap® secure messaging engine, Choose and Book (enabling GPs to book hospital appointments in real time), Technical Architecture, creation of GP websites and HL7 tools and secure messaging applications.
Quicksilva Consulting Solutions provides advice and guidance to local authority communities to help them implement practical solutions to address their information sharing needs.
Quicksilva’s customer base includes the NHS, Boots, Cegedim Rx Ltd, Northern Ireland Social Security Agency, the NI Pensions Service, Deutsche Bank and the Department for Work and Pensions. Partners include Microsoft, IBM and Oracle. Founded in 1999 and based in Wiltshire, Quicksilva’s success has been recognised by inclusion in The Sunday Times 2004 Tech Track 100 league table as well as being 2006 winner of both Growing Business’ Innovative Company of the Year award and Wiltshire Business of the Year Best Business Culture award.
About OLM Professional Services
OLM Professional Services, part of OLM Group, provides consultancy, support and delivery services focused on improving the care sector. We have worked with over 55 children’s services departments, 80 adult services departments and have a growing presence enhancing the performance of PCTs.
Local authorities and PCTs are operating against a background of continuing pressure on finances, radical change in operational models, changing legislation and improvements in technology.
Our strength lies in our dedication to care, and we have a proven track record in joining up systems and enabling information sharing across the health and social care sector. Our consultants challenge the status quo and constantly evaluate the care sector looking at innovative, bold and fresh approaches for tackling its distinct challenges and opportunities.