The CHI Programme is supporting NHS Boards as they work to achieve universal use of the CHI number across NHS Scotland. The programme has initially focused on ten key types of clinical document, including requests, reports and clinical letters. Given the short timescale and challenging nature of the target, the programme has concentrated on simple, practical and sustainable changes. By identifying immediate benefits that are directly relevant to patients and staff, we have successfully engaged with NHS staff across Scotland and communicated to them why using CHI is important, and urgent.
The first phase of the CHI Programme is now complete, achieving 95% of maximum possible utilisation of CHI by the target date of June 2006. Phase 2 of the programme has been approved, and will focus on utilisation of CHI in community-based services including nursing, AHPs, and Mental Health teams. CHI improvement activity will be monitored on a monthly basis, focusing as far as possible on operational clinical documents such as referrals.