Jersey’s General Practitioners can now order X-rays and radiology tests for patients electronically for the first time. It represents the first of many integrated health and care services being modernised through digital enablement to reduce the use of paper for clinical care.
The new GP Ordercomms system coordinated by HealthX, Jersey’s Digital Health team, eliminates the need for paper forms and reduces delays between ordering tests and receiving the results.
Prior to the new system, when ordering an X-ray, a GP would fill out a form and send it to the hospital. The tests would then take place and a paper report sent back to the doctor by post.
Bernard Morrin, Head of Digital for HealthX, said: “GP Ordercomms is the first of our integrated digital services and the starting point for a number of other digital services that will be delivered in line with our Digital Health and Care Strategy. This service represents an important first step on our journey of modernising health and care through digital enablement that is centred around improving patient care and the streamlining of frontline clinical services.”
The HealthX team worked with partners and early adopters in Primary Care to create a safe and secure way for the radiology tests to be requested, delivered and processed. The work initially took place in an isolated test-environment but went into a testing phase earlier in the year just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past three months, the project has accelerated and now allows all GPs in the Island to process X-ray and ultrasound tests electronically.
Dr Ed Klaber, GP at Health Plus, said: “Being able to both request and receive results for scans and X-rays electronically is a great step for Primary Care. This reduces delays in patients having their tests completed and means their GP has the result quicker. With speedier access to these investigations your GP can now ensure you are getting the appropriate treatment even sooner.”
Dr Andrew Mitchell, Consultant Cardiologist and Chief Clinical Information Officer for Jersey, added: “The GP Ordercomms project was one of the first vital steps of our Digital Strategy delivery plan for Jersey. The HealthX team are working together to reduce the use of paper for clinical care and to utilise advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency, safety and quality of patient care in Jersey.”
