Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, Lincolnshire was already leading the way with embracing digital techology within general practice. However, the pandemic has enabled our PCNs to accelerate the use of technology to provide safer and more effecient ways of delivering primary care.
With internet, telephone, and video consultations up and running in all of our PCNs, some of our GP practices are reporting that they have been able to deal with about 80-90% of all patient contacts remotely without patients having to attend a face to face assessment.
Behind the scenes, technology is evolving also, with all our GP practices recently upgrading onto a more robust HSCN (Health & Social Care Network) connection. This has provided greater network availability, increased security, and faster internet speeds.
Perhaps the most recognised technology advancement in Lincolnshire is the Lincolnshire Care Record, which has given staff working in primary care greater access to patient information contained in different health and care systems. This is already proving a success with staff being able to access information in a more timely manner, providing patients with quicker access to diagnosis and treatment.