Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Computerisation Programme.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

233 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department's information technology unit has a liaison unit overseeing the computerisation of general medical service doctors; if so, the terms of reference of the unit; its main areas of responsibility; and if it has produced any reports on its findings. [12899/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The national general practice information technology group was established in the autumn of 1997. The establishment of the group arose from the desire to ensure the strategic development of information technology in general practice and to avoid duplication of effort among the various parties involved in supporting general practice computerisation.

Its specific terms of reference were determined by the group itself. They are to provide a national forum which allows for the sharing of ideas and information and the making of recommendations and preparation of guidelines on matters relating to the development of all aspects of information technology in general practice, including, in particular, electronic linkages with other health care providers.

The group is composed of representatives from: the general medical services and systems divisions of the Department of Health and Children; the health boards; the GMS (Payments) Board; Beaumont, St. Vincent's, St. James's and the Mater Hospital, Dublin; and the Irish College of General Practitioners. The group also has a full-time contracted national development officer appointed from an open competition. The group operates through a number of subgroups dealing with particular matters. Currently subgroups are active in the following areas, namely, training, software accreditation, coding and messaging.

The group has not produced any reports to date. It has, however, launched a major training plan for IT for general practitioners which is currently being piloted in the Eastern and Midland Health Board areas. In the other areas referred to above, the various subgroups are working towards the making of various procedures and guidelines which it is proposed will then be nationally adopted.

Alan M. Dukes

Question:

234 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Health and Children the levels of computerisation among general medical services doctors; the level of computerisation among these doctors at the end of 1997; the eventual uptake goal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12900/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

It is estimated that the current national level of computerisation is over 70 per cent and that figure represents an increase from the 64 per cent estimated level at the end of 1997.

Ideally, I would like to see the records of all general practitioners computerised and my Department together with the general practice units in the health boards keeps the matter under ongoing review. It is clear that quality of usage rather than simple incidence of computerisation among GPs is the most important consideration. Accordingly, my Department and the health boards, through the national general practice information technology group, are funding a national training programme for all GPs.

The programme, which is currently being piloted in the Eastern and Midland Health Board areas, is being delivered by the Irish College of General Practitioners. In that way, it is offering relevant computer training for GPs by GPs which it is felt will have a positive impact on GP response to the programme. The programme will be fully reviewed at the end of its pilot phase – that is, the autumn of this year – to establish its effectiveness.