Making digital transformation a reality must be the core aim of the NHS as we enter into the 2020s. A Digital First NHS is complex and expensive, but still achievable.
Deloitte Centre for Health Solutions’ report, Shaping the future of UK healthcare, claims that the NHS is lagging behind industries such as hospitality, transport, communications, retail and banking, which have introduced advanced self-service and customer experience digital technologies.
“Today, healthcare is at least ten years behind these industries in transforming the ways services are provided,” states the report. However, they do recognise the unique challenges facing the NHS from fragmentation and complexity.
Digital deadlines
The NHS is constantly under scrutiny as it pushes towards digital transformation. With so many deadlines having been set, missed, and extended to complete its digital goals, some question whether it is possible for such a unique organisation to be digitally equivalent to other sectors.
By 2024 the goal is for clinicians to be able to access patients records from any location, and enable digital, online GP consultations for all patients. Yet, investment in basic technologies, such as Wi-Fi and data storage, must be a priority to build the foundations for the more advanced technologies to work effectivity.
Decades of digital challenges
Despite a wide variety of challenges, the NHS is determined to create an NHS fit for the 2020s. Today, the service is at different levels of maturity dependent on each Trust. Despite the challenges, some of these Trusts have proven that the expense and interoperability hurdles can be overcome.
One of the main challenges continues to be siloed systems. Solving interoperability and delivering automated workflows, where data can be securely shared between systems, is a major concern.
Interactions between systems is not only about linking the technology, but the ability to share recognisable data.
Take the data shared between essential basic systems – ESR, Active Directory, and NHSmail. Automating this data between the three systems is one thing, but you need to ensure that it is all in the same format, to create a single truth and removing any repetition.
BDS Solutions enables this through Directory Manager. A proven solution that acts as the bridge between ESR, Active Directory and NHSmail, automating numerous administration tasks.
NHS infrastructure investment
Progress is sometimes considered to be slow in the NHS, and it is compared to other sectors. Yet, the complexities, sensitivity of data and governance that surrounds the NHS puts it in a unique space.
There are key areas that must be enhanced to achieve the NHS Digital First goal. Infrastructure and basic technology should be a priority for investment. The Deloitte report highlighted that “…changing the mindset of leadership and governance” are key steps in driving the NHS forwards.
NHS leaders must continue to take a strategic look at all the challenges of digital transformation. The service is moving forward with 91% quoted in the Deloitte report as using electronic health records, but only less than 10% using emerging technologies such as robotics, virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
These new technologies are exciting developments for the NHS and can revolutionise patient’s diagnosis and experience. Yet, one step at a time. To be fit for the 2020s and the future beyond, basic technology and interactions between systems must come first.