The information requirements of total purchasing projects. Implications for primary care groups.

To successfully purchase, commission and manage health services at the primary care level requires accurate, reliable, up-to-date and appropriate information for use by trusts, health authorities, and by the soon to be operational primary care groups. The national total purchasing evaluation has provided evidence which will be relevant to primary care groups, particularly in the areas of information technology (IT) and access to information. Progress in developing independent purchasing by total purchasers was slower than anticipated because of the large number of factors which had to be taken into account, of which IT and information were just two. Accurate and timely information will be crucial for primary care groups if they are to move from level 1 to level 4 without undue delay.