An Investigation into the Development of a Computerised Information System for NHS Physiotherapy Services in England

Robert Jones, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK.

Abstract

To research the need for computerised information systems development, specific to physiotherapy services in the National Health Service (NHS) in England, to undertake a long term action research project in order to develop an effective and efficient computerised information system which would be acceptable to physiotherapists and other stakeholders and to evaluate the process.  RELEVANCE; Physiotherapists needed to produce detailed, good quality and relevant information as a result of the implementation of government initiatives, the expanding scope and spectrum of physiotherapy practice and services, the managerial and organisational changes taking place in the NHS and associated developments in physiotherapy management.   There were no computerised information systems specific to physiotherapy to support this.  DESCRIPTION; The principal method was an action research approach incorporating problem solving by experiential learning and reflection in action. Elements from a range of methodologies were adopted including prototyping and participative user centred design and ETHICS (effective, technical and human implementation of computer based systems).  It also reflects the ethos of a “skunk works” which is pragmatic and emphasises the role of champions for innovations. Subsequent to the development, a reflective post-intervention evaluation was undertaken using a conceptual problem solving framework Normative Information Model-based Systems Analysis and Design (NIMSAD).  The work was evaluated against three identified elements; the problem situation, the “intended“ problem solver – researcher – and the problem solving process. OBSERVATION; Modelling of the system requirements was based on the perceived needs and expectations of the researcher and working group and the use of prototyping in the design and implementation.  This method was crucial to the verification and translation of the user requirements into a system that satisfied their needs, resulting in “local ownership” and commitment to the system.  The involvement of the researcher and  working group in the system design process contributed to long term interaction which facilitated an ongoing interchange of ideas and opportunities for mutual learning and sharing of experiences.

CONCLUSIONS: The system has successfully provided timely and accurate information about patients and other service users, outcome measurement, activity analysis, costing and pricing mechanisms, the service level agreement and specification process, research, clinical audit and a wide range of other clinical and managerial parameters.  It has fulfilled all specified objectives including national and local requirements, proving to be a flexible, dynamic and powerful tool for physiotherapy managers and clinicians.

To see the final presentation, please follow this link An Investigation into the Dev of Computerised Info System for NHS 2003