Editorial

The NHS programme for information technology

BMJ 2006; 333 doi: 10.1136/bmj.38889.569201.DE (Published 29 June 2006)
Cite this as: BMJ 2006;333:3

Access to the full text of this article requires a subscription or payment. Please log in or subscribe below.

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

    This massive natural experiment needs evaluating and regulating

    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 …

    Access to the full text of this article requires a subscription or payment

    Subscribe

    Article access

    Article access for 1 day

    Purchase this article for £20 $30 €32*

    The PDF version can be downloaded as your personal record

    * Prices do not include VAT

    Rapid responses

    THIS WEEK'S POLL

    BMJ most popular