Authors:
Reza Rabiei
1
;
Allen Hutchinson
2
and
Peter A. Bath
1
Affiliations:
1
Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
;
2
School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Keyword(s):
Choose and Book service, National Programme for IT (NPfIT), User encouragement.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Biomedical Engineering
;
Cloud Computing
;
e-Health
;
Evaluation and Use of Healthcare IT
;
Health Information Systems
;
Platforms and Applications
Abstract:
In recent years, there has been increasing attention towards developing person-based electronic information systems in different countries. In England, the Choose and Book Service, a key component of the National Programme for IT (NPfIT) in England aims to offer patients the facility to choose and book their hospital appointments at a time, date and place convenient for them. However, anecdotal evidence suggests limited uptake and use of this service by clinicians. However, there has been limited evaluation of the service. The aim of this research was to explore clinicians’ perceptions of the Choose and Book service. A qualitative approach, using in-depth, semi-structured interviews was used to collect data from clinicians. Framework Analysis was used to analyse the data. A main sub-theme emerging from the analysis was encouragement for the clinicians. Although both GPs and consultants were positive about the benefits of Choose and Book for patients, they saw no or limited advantages
for themselves. Clinicians noted a number of factors that would help to encourage them to use the Choose and Book service. Deployment of information systems does not mean that users will necessarily use it in their practice. Depicting a broader picture of benefits for different user groups, improving the usefulness and the reliability of information systems and rewarding users are among the approaches that could help to encourage users.
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