The Mid North Coast (NSW) Division of General Practice has mantained dedicated Information Management and Technology programs since early 1999, supporting both internal Division IM/IT operational support activities, and more importantly, targetting the development and support of member General Practice Information and Knowledge Management capacity.  A range of physical and educational support activities for General Practice were conducted by the Division.

The key brief for the Division IM/IT program in 1999 was to support the computerisation of General Practice within the Division boundaries.  The Program proved to be very successful and within a few years with 90% of General Practices were computerised, maintaining computerised patient management systems, email facilities, internet access and business systems.

The Division organised GP email accounts via the Division registered domain to promote increase use of electronic information exchange.  Building upon this platform, the Division has developed, promoted and supported the uptake of a range of Secure Messaging solutions, remote computer access facilities and web based knowledge management and information sharing initiatives.

 Recent initiatives include:

• Establishment of the Division online Allied Health Service Directory, accessible to GPs, other health providers and the community
• Development of an online General Practice Workforce Database to support workforce planning and development
• Introduction of General Practice Chronic Disease Management software tools, supporting recall & reminder systems, patient care and business outcome evaluation
• Promotion of the Argus Connect Secure Messaging solution that has been taken up by and facilitating better communication between the North Coast Area Health Service, Specialists, General Practitioners and Allied Helath staff.  The Division leads with one of the highest uptake of registered Argus Connect users in Australia.
• Supporting the establishment of remote computer access facilities linking GP care in Residential Aged Care Facilities and Hospitals to GP Patient Management records
• Establishment of a Division General Practice member website portal, facilitating uploading and sharing of best practice developments and change management initiatives in the General Practice field.