This resource aims to provide clarity and understanding of the terminology and acronyms used within the Shared Care Record programme.
API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a tool that allows different software systems to talk to each other. In the Shared Care Record, APIs help securely share data between health and care IT systems, making it easier to access and use important information across different platforms. This ensures systems work together smoothly.
Business continuity plan (BCP)
A business continuity plan is a documented strategy that outlines how an organisation will continue its critical operations and services in the event of disruptions, technology, failures, or other emergencies. This is focused on minimising downtime and maintain business operations to limit the potential impact issues may have.
Chief Clinical Information Officer (CCIO)
A CCIO is a senior executive within an organisation responsible for providing clinical context and leadership in information technology (IT) strategy, systems, and operations.
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
A CIO is a high-ranking executive in an organisation responsible for overseeing the management and strategic use of information technology.
Data integration
Data integration is the process of combining information from different sources or systems into a unified and coherent view, allowing for comprehensive analysis, reporting, and decision-making.
Data migration
Data migration is the process of transferring or moving data from one location, format, or system to another, typically with the goal of upgrading, consolidating, or reorganising data while preserving its integrity and usability.
Deployment
Deployment in a technical context means the process of making software or systems operational in an environment for end-users to use.
Electronic patient record (EPR)
The EPR is a method of storing medical records and notes electronically rather than in bound paper bundles, thus allowing the effective accessing and sharing of data. These systems allow staff to view, manage, and contribute to a person’s digital health or care record.
Environments
The Shared Care Record operates in several technical environments, each serving a specific purpose in the development and maintenance of the system. These environments allow for thorough testing, integration, and updates before changes are made available in the live system. Below is an overview of the key environments:
- Production: The production environment is the live system where the Shared Care Record is used by end-users. This is the final version where all data and features are fully operational and available for use in real-world scenarios.
- Integration (INT): The integration environment is used to test how different systems work together before changes are moved to production. It helps ensure that all systems can communicate and share data correctly.
- Staging (Stage): The staging environment is a near-final version of the system used to test new features or updates in a controlled setting. It mirrors the production environment but is not live, allowing thorough testing before releasing changes to production.
Full Business Case (FBC)
A full business case is a comprehensive document that outlines the justification, benefits, costs, risks, and potential outcomes of a proposed business project or initiative.
Health Level 7 (HL7)
A range of global standards for the transfer of clinical and administrative health data between applications.
Implementation
Implementation refers to the process of putting a plan, idea, or concept into action or practice, often with the goal of turning it into a tangible product, system, or solution. It’s the practical execution of a planned solution.
Information governance (IG) framework
An IG framework is a set of guidelines, policies, and practices that an organisation follows to manage and protect its information effectively. It outlines how information is handled, stored, and shared to ensure data security, compliance with regulations, and privacy.
Intelligent Client Function (ICF)
The Intelligent Client Function (ICF) provides support for the Shared Care Record through a dedicated service desk. It operates on a service desk to service desk basis, ensuring seamless communication and resolution of issues. The ICF team triages incidents, escalates where necessary, and collaborates with Orion Health to resolve issues efficiently. Local service desks are the first point of contact for users and are responsible for logging incidents and passing them on to the ICF.
Interoperability
Interoperability is the ability of different systems, devices, or software applications to work together and exchange information in a seamless and effective manner.
Minimal viable solution (MVS)
In short, MVS is a basic version of a software or technology solution that effectively tackles a fundamental problem or requirement. It’s designed to be more quickly developed and deployed, allowing for user testing and feedback with essential features to meet the immediate needs.
Outline business case (OBC)
An outline business case is a basic document that briefly presents the key reasons and potential benefits of a proposed business project or initiative, offering a high-level overview to help decision-makers determine whether to proceed with a more detailed analysis and planning.
Output-based specification (OBS)
An output-based specification is a document that defines the desired results, outcomes, or performance criteria that a product, service, or project should achieve, rather than specifying the detailed methods or processes to achieve them.
Patient administration system (PAS)
A PAS performs the recording of non-clinical patient details, such as name, date of birth, and home address. PAS also contains information on admissions, appointments, referrals etc.
Proof of concept
A proof of concept is a small-scale project or prototype designed to validate the feasibility, functionality, or viability or a particular concept, technology or idea.
RBAC (role-based access control)
Role-based access control (RBAC) is a method of managing access to computer systems or data where permissions are assigned based on the roles or responsibilities of users. Users are grouped into roles, and each role is granted specific access privileges, simplifying access management, and ensuring that individuals can only perform actions relevant to their roles.
Releases
Now that the Shared Care Record is live, any updates or improvements will be delivered through a structured release process, ensuring continuous enhancements while maintaining system stability. Releases can be broken down as follows:
- Major release: This introduces significant new features or system changes. It may include major version upgrades, new product functionality, new interfaces, API changes, and infrastructure updates (e.g., cloud migration). Documentation and training may be updated.
- Minor release: This release adds small features or enhancements without affecting core functionality. It includes service pack upgrades, minor product functionality updates, and smaller, non-disruptive changes.
- Hotfix release: This addresses urgent issues such as critical bugs or security vulnerabilities. It is deployed quickly and typically doesn’t require downtime or full regression testing.
- Security release: This enhances infrastructure security, such as patching operating systems or databases. It may be part of hotfix, minor, or major releases, triggered by identified security risks.
Stakeholders
Stakeholders are individuals, groups, or organisations that have an interest or concern in a particular project, organisation, or decision. They can be directly or indirectly affected by the outcomes or activities related to that project or entity. Stakeholders may include employees, customers, investors, government agencies, community members.
Stakeholder engagement
Stakeholder engagement is a process by which an organisation learns about perceptions, issues, and expectations of its stakeholders and uses these views to assist in managing, supporting, or influencing any planned changes/improvements in service delivery.
Shared Care Record (ShCR)
A shared care record is a safe and secure way of bringing together separate records from different health and care organisations together digitally in one place. It joins up information based on the individual rather than one organisation.
Single sign-on (SSO)
Single sign-on is a method of authentication and authorisation that allows a user to access multiple applications or services with a single set of login credentials (such as username and password).
Spine
Spine supports the IT infrastructure for health and social care in England, joining together over 44,000 healthcare IT systems in 26,000 organisations. It allows information to be shared securely through national NHS services such as the Electronic Prescription Services, the Personal Demographics Service, the Summary Care Record, and the e-Referral Service.
Summary care record
Summary Care Record is a national database that holds electronic records of important patient information such as current medication, allergies, and details of any previous bad reactions to medicines, created from GP medical records. Find out more about this.
System integration
System integration means connecting different software and hardware systems to work together smoothly, share information, and function as a coordinated whole. It’s like making various pieces of a puzzle fit together to create a complete picture, enabling data and processes to flow seamlessly between different parts of a system or between multiple system.
Terms of reference (ToR)
Terms of reference (ToR) is a formal document that outlines the objectives, scope, responsibilities, and expectations for a project, task or committee.