Access to Care uses an extensive web-based directory of services hosted by eCMS©.
This is an electronic interactive list of services offered by a specific PCT. It is used by the Clinical Advisors in the form of an interactive list. When the patient’s presenting condition is input into the system, a list of treatment options / destinations appear which helps to decide the most appropriate pathways for the given complaint.
The system uses ’real time’ information and is reliant upon the input of accurate information from service providers.
As each new entry is added to the Directory, representatives from the provider are required to input information detailing the services offered, when they are available and by whom. This requires regular updating, the frequency being dependent on the type of service.
eCMS© is also being used to manage community hospital capacity and in the future is likely to be used to manage capacity within the acute trusts. As the information contained within the software is ‘real time’, Access to Care is able to disseminate and manage the health community response to increased pressure, through an agreed escalation process.
