Diabetes information technology in UK diabetes secondary care : a snapshot

Background: Primary care in the United Kingdom primarily uses electronic record systems. We performed a national survey of electronic records systems used by secondary care diabetes centres in the UK. Methods: A short questionnaire on usage of electronic records was sent to secondary care diabetes centres across the UK between October 2009 and March 2010. Results: Responses were received from 117/193 (60.6%) centres. Among responding sites, 85 (73%) use a form of electronic records. The most frequently used electronic records were Diamond (20; 24%) or an in-house system (20; 24%). Overall, 14 different types of electronic record were in current use with ProWellness (12%) and SystmOne (9%) being the third and fourth most frequently used. Only three (3%) centres were using an electronic record with the ability to interface with hospital and primary care information technology (IT) systems. Of those who have existing electronic records, 23 (27%) were considering changing their current software. Of those without electronic records, 20 (63%) had plans to introduce an electronic records system. Conclusions: The importance of an IT infrastructure was highlighted in the National Service Framework for Diabetes outlined in 2001. We have identified that the majority of centres are using electronic records for diabetes care. However, only a minority have a system which has an optimal array of functions including interfacing with primary care. Furthermore, there is significant diversity in the types of electronic records in current use and this may have implications for variations in patient care and information connectivity across the NHS.