The document, The suitability of XDS-I for national sharing in the NHS in England, can viewed here (PDF).
The introduction of the Image Exchange Portal (IEP) in England and Wales has improved the situation regarding data sharing between hospital trusts in our regions. Connecting for Health (CfH), and in particular Mary Barber, are to be congratulated on the introduction of the IEP.
However, The Royal College of Radiologists is of the opinion that the IEP is a good interim solution only. To that end, the RCR opened constructive negotiations with CfH and other partners 18 months ago. Over the course of six meetings and numerous e-mails and telephone calls this group, chaired by Dr David Robinson, has looked at the options for the future of data sharing in England. The exchange of ideas and knowledge has led to improved understanding by both organisations and the publication of the document, The suitability of XDS-I for national sharing in the NHS in England. It is clear that all have learned a great deal in this difficult process.
It will take time, effort and goodwill to move to an XDS-I solution. It will also take the other commodity in short supply: money. The work done will inform discussions currently under way in England about the way forward after 2013. Wales has an XDS-I based PACS integration Project underway. Scotland and Northern Ireland have a Unitary PACS solution underpinning data sharing .
RCR CfH committee members
Chair: David Robinson (RCR)
Laurence Sutton (RCR)
Richard Harries (RCR)
Nicola Strickland (Registrar RCR)
Chris Wiltsher (RCR PLG)
Mary Barber (CfH)
Shaun Fletcher (CfH)
Andrew Syme (CfH)
Andrew Meyer (CfH)
Andrew Wheeler (CfH)