Docman approved as GPSoC service

PCTI’s document management software Docman has received full approval to be ordered as a centrally-funded system under the new GP Systems of Choice framework.

The company has already received its first GPSoC order for 21 new practices in Lancashire, after becoming the first subsidiary supplier to receive approval from the Health and Social Care.

GPSoC is a framework contract which funds GP IT systems for 75% of practices in England. The framework originally expired in March 2013, but was extended for another year while the Department of Health tendered for a new contract, worth up to £1.2 billion.

The HSCIC signed contracts with four primary suppliers and 13 subsidiary suppliers in March and April for lot one of the framework, which is centrally funded and focuses on patient-facing services and advanced document management.

The approval means Docman GP software licences and support will be centrally funded for English GP practices, including existing customers and new practices who want to use the system.

Ric Thompson, managing director of PCTI Solutions, said it was “fantastic” to have received roll-out approval for the software and services, “which means we are accredited by HSCIC and Docman can now be centrally funded for practices under the contract.”

“We are totally committed to interoperability and are looking forward to working with the principal clinical systems to provide even deeper integration with Docman,” he said.

The company said it intends to interface with the four principal systems – Emis, Microtest, INPS and TPP – subject to pairing integration.

GP practices using Emis and INPS can already order Docman, while Microtest and TPP practices will be able to take the system once the necessary integration is in place.

Dr Peter Short, a Derbyshire GP and the national clinical lead for general practice at the Health and Social Care Information Centre, told EHI last month that integration testing for suppliers offering patient-facing services will begin before Christmas.

Dr Short said the contracts for lot two of the framework, providing additional GP IT services, and lot three, for cross-care setting interoperable services, will be signed some time in autumn.

He said the HSCIC is conscious of the need to ensure that the 13 subsidiary suppliers are properly integrated with the principal systems to avoid any problems.

 “There’s an incredible wealth of data sitting in GP systems, and we don’t want to take a risk with core principal systems, because if it goes down, it paralyses your ability to deliver care.”