PCN IT Remote working Check List

As the number of Coronavirus virus cases increases; to support Primary Care Network business continuity plans, overnight, we have had to establish an IT infrastructure for a PCN comprised of 7 practices.

If you do not already have an established IT department, this checklist may help you get up and running a little quicker.

Example Equipment List

• Laptops

• Smart Card Readers

• N3 Tokens

Example Software List

• Antivirus Software

• Cisco

• Accrux

• Microsoft Office

• EMIS Web

• Scriptswitch

Computer Support

Assign a point of contact to be your IT Lead. They don’t need to be an expert. They just need to be able to coordinate the logistics, be relatively confident using a laptop and to know where to get help when they don’t know the answer.

I would also recommend that you create a list of resources, phone numbers and instructions to help people work through any issues for example:

• EMIS support

• Know how 24/7 technical support

• Name and number of your IT Lead

Track your equipment

If you are purchasing your equipment, ensure that you have a system to track them and assign them a reference number. You do not want to lose track of this expensive resource.

Recurring costs

As you prepare for your next years’ expenditure, there will be some recurring cost regarding IT subscriptions and licenses. Budget for these going forward and allow for more than you actually need just in case.

Getting set

If possible, test your equipment before you need it to iron out any potential issues. fOR

Keep calm and create contingencies

There is a tremendous amount of additional pressure on all systems. Your systems may run slower and getting through to technical support may take longer. Keep calm, be nice and have a plan for what you will do if your tech fails.

What would you add to this list?

A word from the author:

Due to my work with Primary Care Networks directly as a Network Manager, and Dr Farzana Hussain’s role as a Clinical Director at Newham Central 1 PCN, and current reign as GP of the year, we are increasingly being asked: “what is happening at ground level with Primary Care Networks?”.

So, Dr Farzana Hussain and I thought we would give you our PCN diaries in the form of blog posts, short videos and social media posts to share our warts-and-all look at the work being delivered in primary care.

For more like this, check out:

Introducing the PCN Diaries | by THC Primary Care and Newham Central 1 PCN

The Business of Healthcare Podcast with Dr Farzana Hussain | GP & PCN Clinical Director

The Business of Healthcare Podcast: The Role of the Clinical Lead