About NVUG
The National Vision User Group is an independent non-profit making organisation supporting general practices that use the Vision, a Windows based software package used in Primary Health Care across the United Kingdom and supplied by INPS. It was established in 1984 and is the oldest independent user group in GP computing. It is run by users for users and helps practices to get the most out of Vision.
We work with the company providing user input and meet regularly with the senior management. Software developments are discussed with members through meeting of the National Panel. The NVUG also works with the BMA, RCGP, and other national organisations and was instrumental in establishing a forum for all user groups to meet with the BMA to discuss important issues.
NVUG represents the interests of users of the clinical software system Vision and provides the following services:
- Advising INPS, on behalf of users, on software development needs in face to face discussions with company representatives at meetings of the NVUG National Panel.
- Monitoring and influencing National Health Service Information Technology Policy.
- Supporting and advising the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) and The Health Improvement Network (THIN).
- Monitoring the quality of service provided to members by INPS.
- Providing conciliation services for any problems users have with INPS, THIN, or with the GPRD.
- Providing advice and help on the best use of the systems.
- Holding a National Conference and Roadshows. The cost of attendance is discounted for members. Non-members must pay an amount equivalent to the annual fee in addition to the conference or roadshow fees to attend.
- Maintaining an Insurance Bond to protect participating members from any future problems with the system supplier.
- Maintaining and supporting this web site and the NVUG Forum and Mailing lists. Only members have access to the full site.
The NVUG website contains information about the activities of the NVUG and the events we organise. You will find more information about us and details of how to join NVUG.
There is a members only section which contains a variety of resources including PowerPoint presentations from the National Conference and Roadshows, Clinical Audits & Guidelines written by NVUG members and details of how to use Access & Excel with Vision.
Structure and Organisation of the NVUG
The National Vision User Group (NVUG) was set up in 1984 by VAMP users as a forum for the exchange of ideas on GP Computing. From these beginnings it has grown into an influential body representing the users of Vision.
The User Group aims to represent all users of INPS primary care software, and as the range of products increases so does the diversity of our membership. While the majority of members are practices using the medical systems, other (associate) members include Primary Care Organisations and Health Authorities.
The User Group has in the past been involved in the management of the General Practice Research Database. GPRD, the foremost database of its kind in the world, is operated by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) on behalf of the Department of Health. We maintain close links with the GPRD and also with THIN the research database run by CEGEDIM the parent company of INPS.
Benefits of Membership Include:
- an arbitration service should problems arise with INPS or, for data providers, with the GPRD;
- discounted training fees for INPS training courses;
- access to the members-only area of this web site;
- discount to the annual conference which equates to the cost of membership;
- and the knowledge that experienced and knowledgeable users, elected in an open and democratic manner, are actively involved in improving the computer systems which you use in your practices.