Survey Reveals Major Concerns
According to a recent survey conducted by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Scotland, over half of GPs in Scotland believe their current software is inadequate for their needs.
Key Findings from the Survey
- 45% of GPs reported that their PC or laptop hardware is not suitable for their practice.
- 53% expressed dissatisfaction with their software capabilities.
- 55% indicated that their IT systems struggle to exchange information effectively with secondary care or community pharmacists.
Call to Action
In light of these findings, RCGP has urged the next Scottish government to prioritize the following:
- Upgrade IT software and hardware for GPs.
- Reduce inefficiencies in the healthcare system.
- Enhance patient care and communication across the health system.
Statements from RCGP Leadership
Dr. Chris Williams, Vice Chair of RCGP Scotland, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating:
“GPs across Scotland are working tirelessly to meet rising patient needs, but they are often hindered by unreliable IT systems. No GP should be waiting twenty minutes every morning for slow computers to start up. This is valuable time that should be spent on essential clinical work.”
Impact on Patient Safety
The RCGP warns that inadequate IT systems pose a significant risk to patient safety, as poor communication can lead to lost or incomplete information, potentially compromising care.
Future Recommendations
In its manifesto for the upcoming 2026 Scottish Parliament election, titled “General practice: The solution to the NHS crisis”, RCGP calls on all political parties to commit to:
- Providing modern, fit-for-purpose IT systems for GP practices.
- Ensuring adequate funding for general practice infrastructure.
Recent Developments
In December 2024, the main supplier of Scotland’s electronic patient record system, In Practice Systems (INPS), entered administration. This situation has raised concerns about the continuity of IT services for GPs. However, in August 2025, OneAdvanced acquired certain assets of INPS, alleviating some uncertainty for GPs using the system.