This set of comprehensive educational resources provides practical information on how to make the best use of computers in general practice. The resources cover clinical and administrative uses of computers, provide tips for enhancing computer security, and raise some legal and ethical issues for consideration.

Australian privacy legislation requires medical practices to undertake reasonable steps to protect confidential patient data. When a medical practice connects their computer systems to the Internet the GPCG recommends that the connection should be protected by a properly configured firewall.

The forum is designed as a networking and educational opportunity for IT support staff from the divisions of general practice.

The GPCG has developed a number of case studies and buying guides to assist GPs to computerise their practices.

Information technology (IT) support staff provide a range of strategies to help GPs to improve their computer literacy and to make better use of computers in their workplace. These strategies include training programs, surveys, skills audits, support through a help desk and interchange of data between general practices and other health organisations.

To promote GP informatics, the GPCG provides information and resources tailored to the needs of IT support staff in Divisions of General Practice.

The GPCG developed two sets of fact sheets in consultation with consumers. One set for consumers, their carers and family members and a second set for GPs and other general practice staff.

The GPCG has developed Security Guidelines for use in General Practice, including a simple Computer Security Check-list for implementation.