England connects for health

Whether or not you've been living under a rock, you've probably never heard of the "Connecting for Health." This program, an undertaking by England's National Health Service, is what Gartner calls the largest IT project in Europe -- with approximately $12B worth of contracts awarded thus far. Recently re-branded, its mission is to offer patients more choice, make patient data available nationally, and improve administration.

U.S. healthcare managers should keep a close eye on the development of this program, gleaning best practices (all while the U.S. reforms its own healthcare IT program).