An NHS Data Base
Article Abstract:
The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) is considered one of the largest enterprises in Western Europe. Power is in the hands of about two hundred semi- autonomous authorities with commonality in terms of management in the areas of pay, working conditions, qualifications for staff, accounting, purchases, content of records and central government audit. Due to the wide scope, it was necessary to develop standardization. In 1981, a Computer Policy Committee (CPC) was formed to recommend some methods for standardizing. User groups were the initial method. Two studies, one by experienced data base consultants to draw up a data model for the NHS and the other done by Regional Computer Services Officers to study the technical implications, began in early 1983. The data model group reports that 1) data modeling would be beneficial for NHS data, 2) links can be made between different application areas, 3) the model is capable of accommodating regional variations, 4) the model would need to be very large, 5) no judgment for central or fragmented implementation is given and 6) NHS needs a clearer definition of its terms. The second study recommends: 1) expansion of information systems involving improved outputs, 2) future development should be based on a Corporate System Model (CSM), 3) the corporate model would involve integrated systems with data collected only once and 4) a data administrator is needed. The Steering Group accepted these recommendations. The CPC will now consult on the full implications of the project nationally.
Publication Name: Public Finance and Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0305-9014
Year: 1983
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IRIS Begins to Blossom
Article Abstract:
In September 1983, United Kingdom West Midlands Regional Health Authority issued its new system of accounting, the Interactive Resource Information System (IRIS) designed to more adequately meet users' needs than the Standard Accounting System (SAS) currently in use. The users want a system that provides full on-line service under the control of the user that is competitively-priced. The IRIS is keeping the best things from SAS such as its sound double-entry accounting system. It allows more flexibility in budgeting with up dates that are more accurate. The interface between the two will be improved, but needs to be even more so. IRIS provides the capability for different authorities and management levels to retain their budgeting techniques. On-line service will provide more timely information. Costs were analyzed and will vary from region-to-region. IRIS is termed as an interactive system, both between user and IRIS as well as IRIS and other information systems.
Publication Name: Public Finance and Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0305-9014
Year: 1983
User Contributions:
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