Information Management and Technology

Question 1

What is SNOMED CT?

Answer 1

It is a new system which is replacing Read codes. it will be used by NHS Connecting For Health as the standard terminology for the NHS Care Records Service.

“Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms”

Question 2

Tell me about Connecting for Health initiative.

Answer 2

1. The NHS Care Records Service (NHS CRS) will be connected by what is known as ‘the spine’
2. A key part of the NHS CRS will be the gradual development of an electronic Summary Care Record
3. Choose and Book will allow GPs and other primary care staff to make initial hospital or clinic outpatient appointments using the spine
4. Provide a Secondary Uses Service (SUS), using anonymised data for business reports and statistics for research and planning purposes
5. Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) is being planned meaning GPs will prescribe a drug electronically after which pharmacists will be able to dispense without a written prescription