Digital innovations are instrumental in supporting frontline NHS staff and building a resilient healthcare system that serves everyone effectively. According to Virgin Media O2 Business’ recent Bridging the Digital Gap in UK Healthcare report, 61 per cent of NHS staff believe new technologies could enable treatment for an additional 18.6 million patients annually.
For these advancements to be realised, robust infrastructure and connectivity are essential. This will form the backbone of digitally-enabled services within the NHS. Without reliable networks in place, it would be impossible to support the new technologies necessary to improve patient care and drive operational efficiencies.
Overcoming barriers to tech adoption
The path to widespread tech adoption is not without its challenges. According to our report, 41 per cent of healthcare decision makers cite resistance to change as a significant barrier. Additionally, concerns about maintaining the same standard of care with new solutions can leave healthcare professionals feeling both sceptical and overwhelmed.
To address these concerns, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to collaborate closely with technology suppliers and partners. This collaboration can help optimise their current tech stack while also identifying new technologies they can take advantage of.
The role of IoT and advanced technologies
The advent of Internet of Things (IoT) powered devices, such as fitness trackers, has enabled healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ vital signs in real-time. This capability allows for the early detection and prevention of potential health issues. Patients can use IoT devices at home to track and send their health data, reducing the need for frequent hospital or GP visits. Healthcare professionals can then review this data to detect potential problems and intervene as needed. According to our research, as many as 86 per cent of NHS staff reported that IoT devices helped reduce frontline staff workloads and decreased patient waiting times.
Healthcare professionals can also benefit from adopting cloud-based SD-WAN infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions. The high throughput and low-latency characteristics of these technologies can enhance the efficiency of day-to-day operations, making healthcare services smarter, more accurate and more effective.
Closing the digital skills gap
To create a truly inclusive digital healthcare system, it is crucial that new technologies are used by individuals with the right skills and capabilities. Digital proficiency is vital for both the productivity and efficiency of healthcare professionals. Without proper digital education, both staff and patients may struggle to use new healthcare technologies effectively, leading to inefficiencies and potentially lower quality of care.
The private sector plays a key role in addressing this digital divide. According to our report, 85 per cent of NHS decision makers believe that technology providers have a role to play in tackling digital exclusion. Providers can offer managed support, including onboarding, tailored transition assistance, and dedicated account teams to troubleshoot issues.
As part of our Connect More digital skills programme, we have partnered with various medical centres and GP practices to provide staff with digital skills training. Our programme enables our people to volunteer their time at hospitals and local surgeries drop-in sessions to help more patients effectively use digital access points to healthcare, such as the NHS app.
Promoting a positive dialogue around technology and offering hands-on experience with new solutions can empower staff, giving them the needed confidence they need to see how improved technology leads to better patient outcomes.
Looking ahead to a future-ready NHS
As the NHS continues to evolve, healthcare professionals should prioritise the development of digital skills, foster open communication across teams and adopt a strategic approach to technology investments. By doing so, the NHS can progress towards a future where technology not only empowers patients but also enhances the delivery of care for all.
Better connectivity and smarter processes are key to driving positive outcomes. By optimising the flow of patient data and connecting patients to care in innovative ways, technology can unlock new potentials in healthcare.