The GP2GP process differs in terms of patient identification and polling mechanisms across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Understanding these differences can aid efficient patient record handling.
Patient Identification
Identification processes are critical to ensuring the correct transfer of patient records:
- England: Uses the Personal Demographics Service (PDS) trace. If PDS is unavailable, register patients temporarily until access is restored.
- Wales: Utilises the Welsh Demographic Service (WDS) trace with similar procedures for unavailability.
- Northern Ireland: Utilises the Health and Care Number (HCN) for patient identification, with temporary registration if needed.
Polling Mechanisms
Polling ensures records are continuously checked and updated between systems:
- England: Utilises the Spine for data transactions. The Spine network constantly checks for and processes updates.
- Wales and Northern Ireland: Both use the Message Exchange for Social Care and Health (MESH) system, which operates similarly by polling for updates throughout the day.
GP2GP's polling mechanisms facilitate seamless updates, enhancing accuracy and operational efficiency by automating workflows.
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