Bridging Studies

PHE SNOMED CT Bridging Studies

The aim of the SNOMED CT Bridging Study is to monitor and evaluate the implementation of SNOMED CT on PHE’s national immunisation programme. Over a four-year period, data is being collected from a group of approximately 40 practices on a quarterly basis.

The study will enable PRIMIS to inform PHE, the GP system suppliers and participating practices of any coding anomalies and inconsistencies as SNOMED CT is implemented, as well as correct, where possible, coding problems that threaten the integrity of the data and thereby the reporting requirements of the national immunisation programme.

The benefits case is:

1. to identify and report (in real time) any coding anomalies and inconsistencies that may impact on the reporting requirements of PHE’s national immunisation programme
2. to identify and report (in real time) any coding anomalies and inconsistencies that may impact on the integrity of general practice clinical records as a consequence of the transition to SNOMED CT, and, where feasible, identify and suggest remedies to the participating practices, GP system suppliers and NHS Digital
3. the provision of an assurance mechanism for practices and the communities that they function within that the conversion to SNOMED CT has not interfered with the integrity of their patient records (within the scope of the national immunisation programme)

PRIMIS expects to publish the outcome of the SNOMED CT Bridging Studies project in summer 2021.