THE clock is ticking for organisations that still hold paper-based files: if they do not digitise their records by October they will be in breach of the Data Protection Act (DPA).

Although most large organisations have computer-based systems in place for dealing with new data, Computing (April 26) reports that many will still be in possession of a lot of paper-based information.

Under the DPA, members of the public have the right to ask an organisation that has access to their personal data, if it is accurate, and if it is stored securely. This information must be accessible within 40 days to any member of the public who requests it.

But the shift from paper to digitised records is a process that has implications for staff roles and relationships.

Research carried out by Professor Ann Blandford and Professor Peter Lunt, of University College London, suggests that new technology doesn’t always fit well into settled work practices within the NHS.

Health service workers report that pride in their knowledge, skills and the ability to solve problems creatively is being undermined by new technology. What’s more, previous experiences or accessibility and reliability problems mean that they do not trust the new systems that they are being asked to use.

The study also suggests that new technologies work most effectively when they are adapted to fit into existing practices, and have been developed in dialogue with NHS staff. www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk

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