Technology assisted health care - an information based approach

We propose a model for health care, which assumes a flat hierarchy for professional interaction between all the sectors of the health care system. The model exploits technology to deliver the new service which uses a collaborative approach, creating integrated teams within primary care and between primary and secondary care. The most important feature of the model is the emphasis on an enhanced use of information for each stage of referral and decision taking. The model shows that acquiring the information in primary care could lead to a reduction of 75% in outpatient clinic appointments. The model has been implemented in a primary care practice in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire for dermatology, cardiology and peripheral vascular disease for over 2 years and its further effects are being investigated.