The UK Government is slowly but surely pressing on with its digital transformation strategy in public sector organisations. This, of course, includes the NHS.
Recently, the NHS commissioned a report on the ongoing digital innovation process, an executive summary of which can be found here. The actual report goes into much greater detail – have a read of the full Ipsos report here.
Digital innovation is a vital part of every organisation’s growth in the modern world to improve efficiency and keep up with competitors (both private and public).
Within the NHS, digital innovation will significantly impact how care is provided. Here are a few ways it will make a positive change.
Improved standards of care
The most significant of all the changes that digital transformation will bring about is to decrease the amount of time that staff need to spend on admin tasks. In turn, that’ll free up more hours to spend with patients, increasing care standards.
All NHS staff are expected to complete paperwork regularly. This, of course, is an essential part of the job; it ensures everything is done properly. However, it can take a long time.
With an effective computer system, NHS employees should be able to drastically cut how long it takes to complete this admin.
For the most effective programmes possible, the Government and the organisations themselves should consult frontline workers to build a system that most effectively tackles their needs. For example, systems that can accept input when the clinician is with the patient rather than at a later time will lead to more accurate records and less duplication.
Wellbeing
The COVID-19 pandemic really drove advances in patient welfare. Most notably, this was seen from a communications point of view.
Many patients admitted to hospital – whether they had coronavirus or not – had to isolate themselves from family and friends. Especially during the first few months, hardly anyone was permitted even one visitor. As such, resilient NHS staff took to using tablets and phones to let people message, telephone and video call their loved ones.
This feature hasn’t really been seen in NHS organisations – at least not on a nationwide scale – before now. But it’s been most welcome for patients, their friends and families, and staff too. From personal experience, we’ve seen elderly and vulnerable members of our church community demonstrate that their digital/ICT literacy has improved during COVID, sometimes because they have been isolating following a time in hospital.
Cost-cutting
In terms of reducing costs, opinion is currently split. Some believe that digital innovation will cut them, while others think it’s simply transferring the money to a different channel.
That being said, all providers of digital transformation technologies aim to provide a service that’s cheaper than the previous model. For them, it’s an important selling point. Therefore, we should expect to see confidence in the cost-cutting effect of digital transformation increase in the coming years.
Despite some being unsure whether digital innovation will keep costs down, almost everyone agrees that the improved care standard (talked about above) more than makes up for this, either way.
Training
There’s a notable divide when it comes to using digital technology. Older people are, understandably, less confident about using computers than the younger generation.
Without training, digital transformation could hinder certain NHS employees rather than help them. That being said, the report found that older staff were actually more interested in improving their technological skills.
It’s really important that digital innovation is accompanied by well thought out, comprehensive education and training.
The report also recommends that digital skills be included in employees’ career progression pathways.
Other end-users
Digital innovation won’t just affect frontline workers, but also unpaid carers, patients, and their families.
For example, digital transformation might be used to improve patients’ communications from a hospital bed. Systems could be built to make repeat prescriptions and doctors’ appointments easier to manage. The possibilities are almost endless.
The least confident group with using new technologies was the over-65s. Family and friends may be able to help these people by helping them get more familiar with computers, tablets and smartphones. To help them, the NHS should release systems that are clear, simple to use and accessible.
How NHS organisations and trusts can get ahead
Overall, the most significant enabler (aside from Government finance, of course) seems to be about instilling confidence in frontline workers. The report found that many people were anxious about installing new technologies and stepping outside their comfort zones, even though the benefits of digital innovation are apparent.
Staff should be gently encouraged to start using digital methods through training courses and the introduction of new software. These should help NHS employees and care receivers get comfortable with the new programs in a pressure-free environment.
Importantly, leaders should also be familiar with digital innovation, allowing them to pave the way for their employees.
How can AMDH Services Ltd help?
At AMDH Services Ltd, we’ve supported many businesses and public sector organisations. Our passion is helping you succeed as you take advantage of the recent advances in technology. We do this by working with you to discuss your individual needs and find the most effective solutions.
One of the best ways we can start helping NHS organisations is by assisting your local digital transformation strategy. We can help you for efficiently introducing new cloud-based computer systems to your workplace with minimal disruption.
Going forward, we can assist with the design, implementation, migration and configuration of these systems.
If this sounds like it would be helpful to your public sector organisation, please feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation chat! We’d love to hear about your situation and where we can help. Fill out the form below. Alternatively, drop us an email at info@amdhservicesltd.com or phone us on 01332 322 588.
We look forward to hearing from you!
