99% of Scottish general practices are linked to NHSnet

doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7265.0/e

99% of Scottish general practices are linked to NHSnet

99% of Scottish general practices participated in a Scottish Office initiative that linked them to NHSnet. An infrastructureis now in place which links practices, health boards, and hospitaltrusts across Scotland. Willmot et al (p 878) evaluated this initiativeand found that 56% of practices were using NHSnet at least oncea week. However, local variations in the nature of the network,costs to practices, and the training provided affected levelsof use. This information resource can now be used to support evidencebased practice. The Scottish experience has important lessonsfor suchexercises.