§ Maria EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when the independent evaluation of the Read Codes will be completed; [58577]
306W(2) what are the terms of reference for the independent evaluation of the Read Codes; and by whom they were determined; [58576]
(3) which company is carrying out the independent evaluation of the Read Codes; and on what basis they were appointed. [58575]
§ Mr. MilburnThe independent evaluation of the Read Codes is taking place in the following three stages.
- (i) an assessment of the need for clinical terminology and the robustness of Clinical Terms Version 3 against alternatives;
- (ii) development of a methodology for evaluating clinical codes in use;
- (iii) a process of continuous evaluation in live use in clinical practice.
The detailed terms of reference for the first stage were prepared by the National Health Service Executive and will be placed in the Library. Terms of reference for the second and third stages have not yet been drawn up. The first stage is expected to be completed by the end of November, when the report will be made public. The first stage of the evaluation is being carried out by a consultant working within the Strategic Assignments Consultancy in the Central Communications and Telecommunications Agency (CCTA). The contract was awarded through the CCTA according to current Departmental guidelines and procedures. Contracts have not yet been awarded for the second and third stages; invitations to tender for this work will be widely advertised.