01.04.15
Secure email pilot to cut 90% fax rate from care homes
A secure email project being piloted in Shropshire, aimed at breaking down communication boundaries between health and social care by using NHSmail, has revealed that 90% of communications from care homes are faxed.
The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) project has mapped information flows between local authorities, CCGs and Care Homes, and highlighted that processes in the care sector are mostly fax-based.
The team is now working to provide secure NHSmail accounts, which will allow staff to email information securely and rapidly. Piloting the use of secure emails in Shropshire is expected to start at the end of April and last for two to three months, HSCIC told NHE.
At HSCIC’s board meeting yesterday, Linda Whalley, assistant director for strategy and policy, said the team is consulting with the ADASS Information Management Group, the Professional Records Standards Body and the Integration Pioneers to ensure requirements of local authorities in England and registered care homes, and the information sharing aspects of the Care Act 2014 are taken into account.
Once the pilot is complete it will “define” the benefits of secure email across health, care and local authority boundaries and will shape the guidance toolkit in readiness for national rollout to all social care organisations.
A HSCIC spokeswoman told NHE: “We expect national rollout to take place in autumn this year.”
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