The potential of digital transformation and enhancing NHS implementation readiness

At the recent Health Tech and South London Digital Innovation Conference, our Chief Executive Dr Rishi Das-Gupta hosted a panel featuring Luke Readman, Regional Director of Digital Transformation, NHS England (London), Chris Streather, Regional Medical Director & Chief Clinical Information Officer at NHS England (London), and Joe Harrison, Chief Executive, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and National Director, Digital Channels, NHS England. This panel delved into the transformative potential of digital innovations in the NHS, focusing specifically on the challenges and processes involved in implementing these innovations. In this blog, our External Marketing Communications Officer Michael Mbanunu reflects on his insights learnt during the panel and discusses ways to enhance NHS implementation readiness.

Understanding the current challenges within the NHS

Since the pandemic, the NHS has been under immense pressure with increasing demands and staff shortages leading to an upsurge in workload stress. Many clinicians are faced with heavy administrative tasks, contributing to burnout, which then impacts on patient care. Additionally, the growing elective backlog has resulted in longer waiting times for patients and led to the NHS announcing its Elective Recovery Plan, aimed at reducing the waiting list, improving patient outcomes, and investing in digital innovations.

Digital transformation reshaping the health and care sector

In this context digital transformation can offer significant benefits to both NHS staff and patients. Digital innovations can provide patients with online access to healthcare, giving them greater convenience and control over their health. These tools will also free up staff time, allowing time for more face-to-face care, particularly with digitally excluded patients. During the panel talk it was discussed that digital tools have the potential to reshape health care delivery, including AI tools that are currently being evaluated which can forecast A&E attendance weeks in advance, in order to help NHS staff allocate resources more effectively.  There are also other exciting advancements with other AI tools which could assist patients in deciding whether they need to visit an emergency department or a GP, thus freeing up clinicians' time for urgent cases.

“Through digital transformation, we’re able to save time and money while reducing GP workload. We aim to have one-third of NHS citizens accessing healthcare digitally within the next five years.” Joe Harrison, Chief Executive, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and National Director, Digital Channels, NHS England

Navigating the innovation landscape

One of the biggest barriers to innovation is the NHS's risk appetite to implementing technology. The NHS is naturally cautious, striving for high standards of evidence to ensure optimal patient care. This often involves rigorous evaluation and study, which can take 2-3 years, by which time the technology may be outdated. However, the risks of not adopting new technology now seem to outweigh the risks associated with innovation. At the HIN South London, we are uniquely positioned to provide support for the rapid uptake of various innovative products through our Accelerated Access Collaborative Innovation Programme, increasing the spread of innovative ideas and technologies in line with local population needs.

“Some people are cautious around the word 'productivity,' but we need a different appetite for risk around innovation. The harm of moving slowly is more dangerous than moving quickly and can benefit more people.” Chris Streather, Regional Medical Director and Chief Clinical Information Officer at NHS England (London) 

Scaling innovation and improving care in the NHS

The pandemic demonstrated that we could rapidly embrace innovation, where the NHS quickly integrated telemedicine, electronic health records, and AI-driven tools for remote monitoring. However, the main challenge is figuring out how to support the humans using the tools to make decisions quickly and effectively. We need to emphasize decision-making that is fast and flexible while still being accountable.

During the conference we were introduced to an AI innovation which TORTUS had implemented into Great Ormond Street Hospital and seen the benefits of. TORTUS uses ambient voice technology to transcribe doctor-patient consultations to produce a near real-time note for the patient record. The innovation reduces consultation times by approximately 23 per cent, increasing satisfaction for both families and consultants.

“Our challenge lies not in the technology itself, but in making the right choices and collaborating effectively to scale personalised, effective care across London and beyond.” Luke Readman, Regional Director of Digital Transformation, NHS England (London)

Key learnings from the panel on solutions for readiness

Digital innovations can empower patients by providing convenient, home-based access to care and improve clinicians' well-being by reducing administrative workloads and aiding better planning. Additionally, innovations can help reduce the elective backlog, allowing more patients to be seen sooner. By fostering a culture of innovation and implementing robust evaluation processes, the NHS can ensure exceptional health and care for the wider system.