A survey from NHS Providers reports that limited budget, day-to-day pressures and poor infrastructure are the biggest obstacles holding NHS Trusts back from further and faster digitalisation of services.
Moving from an analogue to a digital NHS is one of the three big shifts outlined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer following the publication of the Darzi review, but the practicalities involved in such a transformation have dogged Trusts for years. Now, leaders are calling for a step-change in support to drive the digital revolution including long-term, sustainable, strategic investment so they can make the most of new technology.
The 'Digital transformation survey 2024: challenges, opportunities and priorities for Trust leaders’, welcomed progress made on implementing advanced technologies, including electronic patient records, better cyber security and enhancing staff skills. However, Trust leaders warn that their efforts to unlock the potential of digital to boost productivity and improve patient safety and the experiences of staff and service users are hampered by several barriers. The survey findings include:
• 73% of Trust leaders surveyed said funding and financial constraints were a barrier
• 50% of Trust leaders said operational pressures were affecting clinical engagement, training and technology take-up
• 35% of Trust leaders identified poor wi-fi, computers and other infrastructure problems as a barrier to progress.
The survey coincides with the relaunch of NHS Providers’ Digital Boards programme which offers free, tailored support to NHS Trust boards to harness digital opportunities to benefit patients and staff.
Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery says: "The NHS is under huge strain and chronic underinvestment in digital technology, particularly in community, mental health and social care systems, has left a worrying legacy. We need the Government to work with Trusts and NHS leaders to remove barriers and to help the health service transform healthcare.
"Trust leaders are committed to making big digital and data advances and NHS Providers is supporting them to do just that through our newly relaunched Digital Boards programme."
