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Get patients’ consent before using the cloud
The Medical Defence Union (MDU) is advising practices thinking of storing their patient records on virtual servers known as ‘data clouds’ that individual consent from patients may be needed. Dr Claire Macaulay, MDU medico-legal adviser, explained:
“Traditionally information such as patient records has been stored locally within the practice. But cloud computing can offer a convenient alternative, not least because the information can be accessed from any computer. “However, the potential security and confi dentiality risks of doing so may, for the present time, outweigh the benefi ts. “Doctors are obliged by the GMC to ensure that
personal information about patients is protected at all times against improper disclosure. As data controllers, doctors also have a legal duty imposed by the Data Protection Act (DPA) to ensure that patient information is held securely.“
Practices should cut back on their drawings by as much as 10% to prepare for changes to GP contracts. Rosemary Smith, a senior partner at RS Medical Accountancy, told Pulse the changes could see practice income being reduced by 14% in England. She said: “It is advisable for doctors to reduce their drawings after estimating their income for the next year and making the decision before the start of the year.”
Stress increases diabetes risk
People with stress are 33% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within 20 years. Researchers believe low energy and health levels due to psychological distress may account for the increased risk. A British Household Panel Survey measured the distress levels of 9,514 British adults in 1991. It followed up 18 years later to fi nd that 472 had developed diabetes. The analysis showed that people with high levels of psychological distress were a third more likely to develop the disease than those with low levels of stress.
THEY SAID
“The unintended consequences are going to be reduced access. I am sure some people will do some of them somewhere, but I guess a lot of people will not take on all four DESs… The workload of all four is very steep”
The BMA’s GPC chair Dr Laurence Buckman on why he thinks practices are unlikely to take all four DESs available in April
(Source: Pulse)
Hampshire manager named Practice Hero
PRACTICE Chineham Medical Practice, Basingstoke
Suzanne Stace, a deputy offi ce manager at a GP surgery in Hampshire, has won a Practice Heroes award. The monthly competition, run by
www.medical-
supermarket.com, was set up to celebrate the ‘unsung heroes’ of GP practices across the UK. Stace, who works at Chineham Medical Practice
in Basingstoke, wins a trophy and lunch for her whole team at the surgery. Commenting on the award, practice manager Moira Clark said: “Suzanne is a longstanding and loyal member of our team. She works hard to ensure our premises are safe and in tip-top condition. In addition, Suzanne takes care of all of our ordering, to ensure that the practice team has all the essential medical supplies.” Clark added: “It’s great to see all her hard work over the
years recognised. She’s defi nitely our practice hero.” Nick Coleman, director at
www.medical-supermarket.
com, said: “With Practice Heroes we’re trying to recognise the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in GP practices.” Nominations are open for February’s award. To enter, email
nick.coleman@
procurehealth.co.uk.
Part of the Hurst Group For a quote visit our website Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
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february 2013 07
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