UK GPs top for use of EMRs

More than two thirds of UK GPs use electronic medical records and can also order tests or prescriptions online, manage patients lists or generate patient information electronically, a new survey reveals.

The 2012 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey of 8,500 primary care doctors in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States, places the UK at the top of the table in their use of electronic records.

The report, published today, shows that more than two thirds (68%) of GPs in the UK said they have ‘multi-functional HIT capacity.’

This means they use EMRs with at least two electronic functions such as; order prescriptions or diagnostic tests online; manage patient lists and generate patient information electronically; and routine clinical support.

The percentage of primary care doctors using electronic medical records has increased slightly from 96% -97% over the past three years in the UK. This compares to 98% coverage in the Netherlands and Norway and 97% in New Zealand.

More than a third of UK doctors surveyed said they can electronically exchange patient summaries and test results with doctors outside their practice.

Nearly half said they are always notified when their patients have visited A&E, around 40% said they are informed about changes to patient’s drugs or care plans and 18% said they get “information that is timely and available when needed.”

Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt said the NHS is “one of the finest institutions in the world”, but some areas need improvement.

“I am pleased that our GPs are doing very well when it comes to using electronic medical records and enabling patients to make appointments online,” he said.

“I have set out in the NHS Mandate that I want all patients by 2015 to be able to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions and talk to GP practices online. This will help people better manage their health and care.”

GPs in the UK had the second highest earnings at (US) $160,000, compared to $187,000 in the US.

UK doctors were in the top three for saying that they were satisfied or very satisfied practicing medicine.