Re: What about scan to email?
A number of reasons
1) E-mail is not considered secure enough (yes, faxes are not fully secure but considered more secure than standard e-mail)
2) Not everyone has the ability to send from/to the NHS accounts
3) E-mails can get put in 'junk', not responded to, get forwarded accidentally etc. E-mails also hang around for a long time and can have multiple copies so it is more difficult to ensure security and conformance when the is a subject access request or subject change/delete data request.
4) Nearly all the NHS is set up with all the required numbers for the relevant people you need to fax to and it just 'works'. It would need a major multi-agency change in procedures, ways-of-working, training etc to convert. The attitude has been - if it is quick, effective and has not caused significant problems then why change it?
5) Significant malware outbreaks can see e-mail use locked down or even IT systems restricted. Fax still works and people can communicate using that and the telephone.
If patient had agreed to be part of the NHS digital system and it was fully implemented then it might be easier, but a lot of people still find NHS Digital controversial. It would also require a significant investment in IT equipment. However the correct way would be a fully secure platform with endpoints and software for all relevant people to digitally send information to each other. One that is secure and remains secure even if the device is lost or stolen - using MFA and preferably no passwords. (Doctors are not the most technically savvy people and do not necessarily use best practice in security).
Biting the hand that feeds IT
