Informatics for Quality

Informatics is used in everyday actions of healthcare professionals. It enables the delivery of high quality, accurate and timely care to patients - from booking appointments to conducting surgical procedures. In particular, SNOMED-CT is an international terminology for recording patient data, and you can may wish to explore our guidance and best practice videos.

Informatics Resources

  • Information and Digital Technologies Clinical Requirements 2020 - this Academy of Medical Royal Colleges report informs decision-making and accountability in outlining clinical priorities for information and communication.
  • Summary Care Records - this electronic patient record system enables healthcare providers to view patient information regardless of the patient's primary healthcare provider.
  • NHS Atlas of Variation in Healthcare in Children and Young People- this 2015 report examines variations in the quality of children's healthcare provision across geographical areas of England. The Atlas can be used to aid clinicians, commissioners and service users to identify priority areas for improving outcome, quality and productivity.
  • The Faculty of Clinical Informatics - a multi-disciplinary professional body for all health and social care qualified individuals working as informaticians across the UK. The Faculty provides a range of resources for informaticians, including: revalidation support, career advice, accreditation of learning and special interest groups.

SNOMED-CT

Systemised Nomenclature of Medicine - Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) is an international terminology that enables clinician-entered patient details to be recorded accurately. 

As electronic patient records are rolled out to Trusts across the UK, all clinicians will be affected by changes in clinical coding. Patients and healthcare professionals will benefit from improved health records, clinical decisions and analysis as coding terminology becomes standardised.

Across the UK, clinicians and specialty groups have began creating subsets for their respective specialisms. RCPCH supports this development. We have developed a 'how to' guide for clinicians who are interested in developing SNOMED-CT concepts, as well as best practice videos.

For more information on how to get involved, please contact health.policy@rcpch.ac.uk.