...
There is no single Standard across all GP systems for extracting the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) for PFS. Interface Mechanism 1 (IM1) is the current option for providing PFS APIs from Foundation Solutions. IM1 PFS interfaces, created by the Foundation Suppliers, are based on high level functional specifications rather than technical Standards aligned to interoperability Standards. PFS Consumers cannot integrate in a standardised way with Foundation Suppliers so undertake a separate development with each Supplier. Consumers must apply significant development time and effort to integrate with each differing bespoke API, which introduces technical complexity and inconsistency and negatively impacts New Market Entrants (NMEs) and innovation.
Current infrastructure is not aligned with latest FHIR Standards and there are multiple APIs (from NHS Digital which Suppliers need to update and develop), which cause development backlogs with Suppliers. If the GP Connect PFS APIs follow the current design for the STU3 Access Recorded Structured API, the Supplier application tier will need to perform more complex transformation on data from the API to prepare it for mobile app consumption. This additional complexity makes it harder for Suppliers to deliver Solutions and introduces more areas where errors can result in data loss.
However, if the GP Connect PFS APIs are designed to better support usage in mobile apps, following REST API design pattern for example, the Supplier will be able to pass through requests and responses without change to the mobile app. This approach minimises unnecessary complexity for the Supplier Solution, reduces scope for error, and is overall simpler and quicker to deliver. Therefore, this is the direction Suppliers are being asked to take.
GP Connect PFS APIs will align with the NHS Digital Technical API strategy and provide the NHS and Suppliers with a ubiquitous interoperability Standard that meets the future record sharing needs of all stakeholders. By introducing interoperability Standards, we can drive the interoperability market forward by reducing the number of options that Suppliers need to take through NHS Digital product assurance. It will increase innovation and reduce the burden on Suppliers to develop with a burgeoning market.
For the Patient, it will give them real-time access to their record, enabling them to manage their own care more easily through an enhanced offering of Patient Facing Apps enabled by GP Connect PFS APIs for viewing their Electronic Patient Record (EPR), ordering Prescriptions, and managing Appointments.
Outline Plan
A number of new GP Connect PFS APIs are being developed:
...