Technology transformation costs continue to challenge the healthcare sector’s move to digitalisation. Clinicians questioned in a recent Deloitte survey stated that one of the biggest barriers to the adoption of new technology was the cost. With significant investment needed to achieve the NHS Long Term Plan, the NHS must look at cost-effective methods to achieve digital goals.
The relationship between IT suppliers and the NHS will be pivotal. Working in partnership to identify areas where technology can simplify and reduce overheads or streamline administration is the key to demonstrating the value of technology.
NHS partnerships
Baroness Nicola Blackwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Health and Social Care, has highlighted the importance of the alliance between private technology suppliers and the national health service: “My ambition is for the NHS to build genuine, deep, trusting partnerships with industry that create long term value – and not to just rely on antiquated buyer-seller relationships.”
Creating digital solutions that prepare the NHS for a healthy future must be in the vision for both the NHS and its suppliers. By forming collaborative relationships and systems with private technology companies, resources and data may be shared, silos removed, and cost-effective solutions delivered.
Inter-Trust IT
BDS Solutions has been working on such a project with a group of NHS organisations in the North, collectively known as the North West Shared Infrastructure Services (NWSIS). The group started over 15 years ago and supports over 100,000 users and seven million members of the public.
This inter-organisation working enables the nine members to benefit from an affordable, shared infrastructure that improves patient services. The group can maintain their own IT infrastructure yet benefit from joint governance, negotiation of contracts, and collective resources to maximise the effectiveness of technology.
From the secure flow of information across the group, to a regional wireless network mobility solution to increase access to mobile working, the NWSIS focuses on building collaboration and efficiency.
With the partnership of specialist suppliers, like BDS Solutions, the NWSIS has created an agile, closely aligned collaborative model. These forward-thinking organisations have created a best practice model.
Digital Futures @NHS
The Deloitte report titled: Shaping the future of UK healthcare, which published the findings of its survey also summarised the results of a self-assessment by Trusts in England on the state of their digital maturity. The average score came out at 66/100. Some scored low at 18/100 with the highest self-score at 93/100.
This survey demonstrates that the NHS understands its challenges, and have taken strides forward in their digital first strategy, with a range of solutions already in place or being undertaken to transform the service.
Further adoption is critical. Digitalisation of the NHS was never going to be a simple task. With strong supplier relationships, collectively analysing the challenges and ensuring informed investment is made, supported by a collaborative model, the NHS can achieve its ambitious digital goals.