The first three solutions being introduced by CSC are: Clinical Information Portal, which facilitates the collation of all available information about a patient to a single, accessible point, giving clinicians the fullest picture possible to create joined-up care; Electronic Patient Folder, which digitises paper records to reduce data storage space, meaning that information follows the patient, making their notes available wherever and whenever staff need them; and Self-Service Kiosks, which help to dramatically reduce patient check-in delays, freeing up receptionists' time and banishing lengthy queues.

CSC's three solutions are part of a larger phased roll-out of technology and business solutions planned by CSC over the coming months. Each offering has been designed to address the issues and challenges that both acute and primary healthcare providers face; and to help build efficiencies into the healthcare system - saving money, time, and helping to improve the patient experience.

"These are tough times for healthcare systems across the world and the UK is no different," says Andrew Spence, CSC's UK Director of Healthcare Strategy. "After years of unprecedented investment, budgets are being squeezed and are expected to get even tighter. That means NHS organisations are looking to get the best value they can out of every penny they spend. Our technology, combined with our understanding of healthcare, has the potential to deliver significant savings - as well as better, more efficient care."

The introduction of the new range of CSC solutions begins at a time when policy-makers and influential commentators alike are underlining the importance of innovation and technology in a modern health service. For example, the Government’s QIPP agenda puts innovation at the heart of improving healthcare and recognises that intelligent use of technology achieves efficiencies as well as improving the quality of care.

"To rise to these policy challenges - and free-up the resources required under the current stringent efficiency programme - trusts are realising that they have to look at new ways of working, and that technology is key to that," comments Spence. "This is why CSC has developed solutions that focus on increasing efficiency, reducing costs and managing risk."

Although best known as the Local Service Provider delivering the NHS National Programme for IT - now covering 60% of England - CSC is about more than just IT. Because of its breadth and depth of transformational experience, CSC not only helps healthcare providers to apply its solutions intelligently, but also can help them manage the process of change. This is critical for ensuring that trusts can meet their long-term objectives - and immediate challenges - around productivity and quality enhancements, whilst meeting government targets too.

Clinical Information Portal
This solution gives clinicians the facility to include all the patient data they need on one screen which benefits staff and patients and saves money. The portal cuts out the time-consuming process of shifting from system to system, meaning that staff no longer have to remember multiple user names and passwords. It also improves clinical productivity and improves patient safety at the front line by making patient identification easier. This will save each member of staff up to an hour per day whilst improving care too. The portal can also be integrated into existing systems eliminating the need to 'rip and replace', and can ease any transition to a fully integrated management system.

Electronic patient folder (ePF)
This ePF solution enables paper records to be digitised, which leads to significant savings in time, money and the space required to store records. It also provides clinicians and administrative staff with instant access to accurate information from wherever they are located. Plus it means that information can be shared securely and in real-time. ePF not only delivers significant benefits now, but has been designed to ease a transition to an electronic patient record system.

Healthcare Self-Service
Touch-screen check-in kiosks can be placed in healthcare reception areas allowing patients to identify themselves, view appointment details, check themselves in and enter and confirm information as required. The entire process can take as little as 12 seconds. The kiosks put patients in control, enhance privacy and cut check-in delays considerably. This helps free up receptionists' time so that they can deal with people with more complex needs. Kiosks can be integrated with existing patient administration systems so that records are updated automatically when a patient checks-in, which leads to significant time and cost savings and improved clinical efficiency.

Related news articles:

• CSC's Profile

About CSC
CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled solutions and services through three primary lines of business. These include Business Solutions & Services, the Managed Services Sector and the North American Public Sector. CSC's advanced capabilities include system design and integration, information technology and business process outsourcing, applications software development, Web and application hosting, mission support and management consulting. Headquartered in Falls Church, VA., CSC has approximately 92,000 employees and reported revenue of $16.0 billion for the 12 months ended October 2, 2009. For more information, visit the company's Web Site at www.csc.com.

For further information regarding CSC healthcare solutions in the UK visit www.csc.com/cscalliance.