Technology strategy needed for all pathology networks

A new Department of Health policy for modernising pathology services says all managed pathology networks need to have a formal technology strategy in place with a focus on getting maximum benefit from emerging technologies while also managing risks.

The broad ranging policy document, Modernising Pathology Services , launched this week by health minister, John Hutton, says: "A technology strategy should monitor new opportunities as they emerge, assessing their relevance, costs and benefits, and harnessing and implementing them to benefit the service."

It says that key areas to consider will be: developing pathology diagnostics; improving access through area network services; maintaining quality; cost effectiveness; demand management; clinical governance and risk management; demand management; adherence to published standards and technology management.

The policy document says that laboratory computing has often been at the leading edge of health information systems development but that developments have often happened in isolation, leading to a patchwork of systems across the NHS. 

Improved information management, driven by the developments to be implemented by the National Programme for IT (NPfIT) will mean that laboratory matters can no longer be dealt with in isolation.  There will be a need to address externally driven needs such as; integration across system; integrating point of care testing; clinical governance and service management.

"Pathology services will need to work closely with key stakeholders locally on the implementation of the NPfIT, and ensure that new and more integrated ways of managing diagnostic information are developed to meet the increasing needs of pathologists, clinicians and patients," the policy document says.

It says areas deserving particular attention in work with the NPfIT are: IT management; IT staffing and skills; IT standards; renewing technology and building on the NPfIT’s design arrangements and interfaces for the NHS Care Records Service.

The document’s section in IT and information management concludes: "Maintaining and improving quality is a complex, continuous process.  Networks will help to raise standards, support development of best practice and agree appropriate standardization.  A modern developmental and consistent service will need clear planning and standard against which delivery can be monitored."