BMJ  2006;333:3-4 (1 July), doi:10.1136/bmj.38889.569201.DE (published 23 June 2006)

Editorial

The NHS programme for information technology

This massive natural experiment needs evaluating and regulating

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The NHS National Programme for IT in England is one of the largest information technology programmes in the world.¹ The programme has been subjected to hostile media coverage in its four year history, and it has been difficult to know how much of this is justified. The publication of the National Audit Office report on the programme gives both supporters and critics food for thought.² The audit office finds that elements of the programme are progressing well, but also points to key challenges over the next few years—in ensuring that the promised systems are delivered and that NHS staff are engaged with the programme.³

The report contains a wealth of detail, but doctors should pay particular attention to two issues. Firstly, the report notes that the Department of Health has failed to show benefits of the programme that will justify its costs and that the Treasury accepts this and . . . [Full text of this article]

Institute of Health Sciences and Public Health Research, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9PL
(J.Keen@leeds.ac.uk)

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