Richard Hosking wrote:
Computers in general do not save staff time. They allow things to be done better.
Richard, one again, it's a matter of training and thoughtful use. Many practices that I've seen achieve both better outcomes and time-saving.
This may well allow better clinical care which is worthwhile, but there is a cost involved, which is not recovered in fees
In addition to the potential efficiency gains, GPs can receive the PIP incentives for electronic scripts, data exchange and doing CDM stuff. If a practice/GP can't do these things more efficiently with computers and increase revenue, then they need some help.
If staff time is saved with electronic records, then I suspect Dr time is increased.
Again, it's a question of training, and to some extent, aptitude. There are lots of opportunities for the skilled to save time and manage their practice better. I could expound on this stuff ad nauseam, but most on this list are probably doing most of what I'd discuss, and in many cases probably more.
One area I've helped a number of GPs with is to reduce the duplicated work of recording in both their software and their paper records. Some training I've done re this has proved very beneficial. Most of the sceptics who'd been dragged into computerisation by their GP partner/spouse, are pleased that they've moved over.
In a BB clinic time is money as demand is almost infinite. Which is more expensive - Dr time or staff time?
Having all your records/reports, etc., accessible very quickly, avoiding writing stuff more than once, sending reports, getting results faster, all saves time.
yes, there are still lots of GPs who struggle with the basics, as well, but this is not the technology. If it was, then the other GPs wouldn't be doing so well. There are plenty of these later guys who don't ever participate in training, and don't seem to want to make the effort to learn. This is there choice.
There are also nearly 1/3 of our practices who haven't adopted clinical computing. Mostly older GPs [our average GP age in nearly 60, anyway, so by older, I mean older than that], in solo practices. Plus we have 90+% bulk-billing owing to our low SES, and high NESB, overseas-born [49%] population, so we aren't an area with lots of cream for practices.
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