Decision support tool now available to GPs

An electronic tool to grant doctors quick access to clinical resources and guidance is now available.

GPs now have the option to use the "Best practice decision support tool" to access information and advice tailored to each patient. The tool has been developed to make it easier for doctors to deliver better care.

The new system can:

• Notify practices when a patient needs referring for treatment
• Allow practices to extract and store important patient information on their systems
• Provide advice on appropriate medication choices, with links to prescribing information
• Generate prescriptions.

The system operates as a range of resources, or “modules”, tailored to specific medical conditions or common practice errors. The first set of electronic resources, which are now freely available to all practices, cover:

• Adverse drug reaction reporting: Features an online reporting form to make it easier to report adverse drug reactions in general practice
• Adult depression: Designed to make it easier for doctors to assess the severity of depression, access other resources, encourage self-management and make referrals
• Acne: Conducts an initial assessment of the patient, including severity of the acne, to base advice on further treatment options and medication
• Childhood asthma: Interactive presentation of current guidelines for diagnosing and managing childhood asthma.

These modules are not intended to replace any existing systems, but will now be available if practices choose to use them.