What is GP Connect?
GP Connect is a system which shares patient information with appropriate staff, so you can deliver better care.
CQC registered care providers can use GP Connect to access a restricted view of a person’s GP record.
To do so, you must have:
- a digital social care record (DSCR) solution in place from NHS England’s assured solutions list which integrates with GP Connect
- reached “standards met” on the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT)
Conditions for using GP Connect
Before using GP Connect, you must also agree to:
- honour an individual’s choice not to share data for their care through GP Connect
- create and share information materials to tell people about their right to object to sharing their data
- update your privacy notice to include this data sharing
- make sure staff are trained in managing data, in line with DSPT requirements
GP practices will only give access to patient records if they’re assured that it’s to provide direct care. They will only share information which is necessary and proportionate to your role.
Clinical staff (for example, nurses) will be able to access the full record, which includes clinical information they need for their role.
For non-clinical staff (for example, registered managers, carers and social workers), access will be limited to:
- allergies
- medications
- immunisations
- the last three interactions with the GP practice (for example, the date, time, and comments made by GP practice staff)
For more guidance on managing data safely, get support from the Better Security, Better Care programme or find training courses on using and managing data.
Benefits of GP Connect
Benefits of GP Connect include:
- reduced admin time for healthcare staff through automated data handling
- faster and improved decision making for clinicians
- faster patient journey through care pathways due to better availability of information
- reduced cost and accelerated development of new digital solutions across all care settings