Q. My GP practice software vendor advises me to take automatic updates of their practice software management system. Is this a good idea?

A. Yes. It is best to take regular updates to your practice software system as they become available. For many GP
practice software systems this happens automatically. Ensure automatic practice software update is activated
for all the computers in the practice. Talk to your vendor support desk if you are not sure how to do this. Each update contains some new features and some bug fixes. For example, there may be new templates or Mediforms, new electronic referrals or even whole new modules such as patient portals. It is best to stay up to date and adapt to the minor changes associated with each update. If you lapse, it becomes a big deal to catch up.