GP Connect Appointments and Cross Organisation Appointments in EMIS Web serve similar functions but target different workflow efficiencies and connectivity requirements. Understanding these differences is key to optimising appointment bookings and overall practice operations.
Key Differences
GP Connect Appointments are designed for seamless integration among participating practices via the NHS Spine. This allows for real-time booking, viewing, and managing of appointments at different practices or hubs using a standardised set of protocols, without needing a data-sharing agreement. This method is efficient as it provides immediate visibility of available slots across multiple locations, reducing administrative overhead and improving patient accessibility.
Cross Organisation Appointments, on the other hand, function through data-sharing agreements between practices. This setup typically allows for broader data access beyond just appointment slots but lacks the instant booking capabilities provided by GP Connect. It depends heavily on prior agreements about data visibility and access rights, which can sometimes introduce delays in synchronising patient data and booking records.
GP Connect streamlines the booking process by eliminating the need for data-sharing contracts for each booking, enhancing efficiency particularly in integrated settings like Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
Functionality Benefits
One of the primary advantages of using GP Connect is the increased efficiency in managing shared care across different practices. It does not only facilitate better appointment slot usage but also supports the consistent updating of patient records across connected systems. Furthermore, the granularity of filtering options—by provider type, location, or session type—allows practices to better manage patient flow and practitioner workload.
In contrast, while Cross Organisation Appointments provide extensive data sharing capabilities, the operational overhead in managing these agreements can be a limiting factor, particularly for practices with dynamic scheduling needs.
Configuring Your EMIS Web for GP Connect
Practices looking to transition to or optimise GP Connect should consider the following:
- Enable GP Connect: This requires setting up your organisation’s National Code on the NHS Spine and ensuring all practitioners use smartcards with appropriate access roles.
- Configure Appointment Books: Appointments need to be marked as GP Connect bookable, ensuring they are visible across participating practices.
- Use Filters Effectively: Implementing session filters helps reserve or limit appointment slots for desired practices, ensuring control over booking flows.
