Key Information Summary

What is it?

The Key Information Summary (KIS) is a collection of information about a patient extracted from the patient’s general practice record.

A KIS has to be specifically created for each patient.  This is a task normally carried out by a doctor, and with the consent of the patient or their carers.  The KIS information is shared by the GP’s computer system twice a day, making this information available to other people and services looking after the patient.  For example, out of hours services, Scottish Ambulance Service or NHS24 may use the KIS to gain more information about people they are in contact with.

Using the KIS formed part of the GP Contract requirements from 2012-2013 and GPs were encouraged to use KIS to create ‘Anticipatory Care Plans’ (ACPs) for vulnerable patients at risk of admission to hospital.  The hope is that better information and planning for these patients can help keep them at home or in the community, reducing unnecessary hospital care.

 Emergency Care Summary

The KIS is an extension of the data shared by the Emergency Care Summary (ECS).  More information on ECS is available on the Emergency Care Summary Website [Requires NHS N3 connection].