SCATA - UK Society for Computing and Technology in Anaesthesia

Jargon Buster

The SCATA Jargon Buster is a compilation of many of the confusing terms and acronyms used in Health Informatics. It was compiled from various sources and is maintained by the SCATA membership.
If you are are a SCATA member, you can add and edit jargon terms from the member's area
Non-members can use the contact page to submit a new term or acronym, or to update an existing one.

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Term or Acronym	Definition	Explanation
N3	NNN, i.e. New (high bandwidth) NHS Network.	The new fast, broadband communications network for the NHS. N3 is delivered by BT and replaces the existing private NHS network, NHSnet.
NASP	National Application Service Provider	A software supplier providing an application that fulfils the requirements of one of the national applications such as electronic transfer of prescriptions, eBooking, NHS messaging, etc.
National Spine		See spine
NCRS	NHS Care Records Service	A new term encompassing the concepts of both EPR and EHR. Replaces the term ICRS.
NDA	NHS Design Authority	The Authority within the NHS ICRS Programme charged with responsibility for setting the framework for the establishment of standards, monitoring their development and evaluating their implementation.
NeLH	National Electronic Library for Health	See www.nelh.nhs.uk
NHAIS	National Health Applications & Infrastructure Services	aka the Exeter system. Software used by Health Authorities in the administration of cancer screening call/recall programmes, patient registration and contractor payments.
NHS Care Record		A central database within the NCRS programme that will hold essential data about every patient – i.e. data that has long-term value for patient care. Detailed specification not yet publicly available.
NHS Data Dictionary		The dictionary of all NHS data items, their structure and definitions. It also includes descriptions of most of the Central Returns. See www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/datastandards/.
NHS ESR	NHS Electronic Staff Record
NHS Number		Uniquely identifies every individual within the NHS in England and Wales.
NHS OCS	NHS Organisation Codes Service	Service within the NHSIA responsible for national policy and standards concerning codes for NHS organisations and practitioners.
NHS Plan		The plan for the NHS, published in 2000.
NHSIA	NHS Information Authority.	A special Health Authority created in April 1999 to deliver the Information Strategy set out in IfH.
NHSnet		The NHS' secure, private intranet
NHSU	NHS University
NISP	National Infrastructure Service Providers	National Infrastructure Service Providers are to deliver a robust infrastructure to support modernised health and social care, e.g.N3, NHS Mail & Directory Services
NMAHP	Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional	Not strictly IT-related, but a term that is used to refer to staff including physios, OTs, prodiatrists, optometrists etc.
NN4B	NHS Numbers for Babies	babies never used to have their own numbers.
NPFIT	Also NPfIT. National Programme for IT
NPRAS	National Patient Record Analysis Service	Service intended to support delivery of the NHS Plan by improving the management and delivery of health services through the provision of good quality data to support performance and resource management, clinical governance and audit, planning, research, and surveillance activities.
NPSA	National Patient Safety Agency	A Special Health Authority created in July 2001 to improve the safety and quality of care through reporting, analysing and learning from adverse incidents and 'near misses' involving NHS patients
NSF	National Service Framework	for cancer, heart disease etc. The framework within which services that have been targeted by Ministers are delivered. Includes information requirements and minimum data sets.
NSTS	NHS Strategic Tracing Service	Traces a patient’s NHS number and other administrative details.
NWCS	NHS-wide Clearing Service	Passes information on activity, HES etc, from Trusts to the DoH and commissioning Authorities.