Tests to begin on patient data sharing

Cloud computing could be used to share confidential patient data with consultants and GPs.

The pilot study between Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Edinburgh Napier University and developer Flexiant is designed to improve data sharing.

The project has been in development for 18 months and is now ready to be properly tested.

Bill Buchanan, a professor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Our system allows for data to be stored with its context, such as where it was captured, and then used in whatever way is necessary through well-managed clinical services.

“We take the core data and provide clinical services to mobile phone like the iPhone and Android and web browsers.”

Tony Lucas, founder of Flexiant, explained: “Hosting the data in the cloud as soon as results are published means that the patient can go online and access them, sharing them in real time with everyone who needs to see them.”