Ensuring the adoption and spread of technology across the NHS in the UK is crucial for improving patient care and making the organization more efficient. However, it can be challenging due to the size and complexity of the NHS.

One of the main challenges in implementing new technology in the NHS is the need for more standardization and infrastructure to ensure interoperable functioning between systems.

Different hospitals and clinics within the NHS may have different systems and processes in place, making it difficult to introduce new technology that works seamlessly across the organization.

To overcome this, the NHS has been implementing a “Digital First” strategy, which aims to standardize and simplify IT systems and processes across the organization.

This includes adopting common systems and standards, such as using electronic health records (EHRs) and implementing a national patient identifier system.

Another challenge in implementing new technology in the NHS is the lack of digital literacy among staff. While many healthcare professionals are experts in their field, they may need to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to use new technology effectively.

To address this, the NHS has been providing training and support for staff to help them acquire the digital skills they need to use new technology effectively.

This includes training on specific software and tools, as well as basic computer literacy classes.

Additionally, many hospitals and clinics within the NHS have also been implementing mentorship programs where staff can work with and learn from more experienced colleagues who are more tech-savvy.

The “Digital Health Mentor” programme is one such initiative that enables this form of learning through collaboration.

Developed by the NHS digital academy, mentors are paired with less familiar staff and provide guidance on using and applying the new technology effectively. Additionally, Mentors can provide support through one-on-one coaching but also through group sessions where a larger demographic of workers can be impacted.

Another problem the NHS needs to solve is ensuring that new technology is implemented on a stable and secure platform.

This requires a robust and reliable technology infrastructure. To do this, the NHS has been investing in new technology infrastructure, such as upgrading network and server infrastructure, to support the implementation of new technology.

Once the underlying infrastructure of the NHS becomes digitally adapted, the next step is ensuring that the patient experience reaps the benefits of this newfound technological adoption.

New technology such as digital appointment booking, online prescriptions and the ability to access medical records online helps to improve patient satisfaction, and it also helps to alleviate some of the pressures on the NHS caused by outdated legacy systems.

At the end of the day, the NHS is built in a way to ensure the best and most accessible level of treatment for all patients.

All of the work currently taking place to improve its technological infrastructure is done with the overarching aim of providing effective and higher-quality care for those in need.

With this in mind, it becomes clear that the more the patient experiences are positively impacted, the more it will drive technology adoption throughout NHS facilities.

And it can do this in multiple ways.

With increased patient satisfaction and improved outcomes stemming from the implementation of new digital technologies, patients will become more loyal and equally dispense recommendations to their peers regarding their experience in the NHS.

Through positive word of mouth and increased demand, this could lead to higher levels of motivation from staff to adopt these technologies and an increased chance that the NHS will receive renewed funding for these technologies.

In the end, in order to ensure the adoption and spread of technology across the NHS, it’s essential to have a clear strategy in place, provide training and support for staff, invest in robust and reliable technology infrastructure, create a culture of change management, and involve patients in the implementation process.

Ultimately, achieving the complete implementation of technology across the NHS can be a daunting task.

But with a clear strategy, proper training, and support for staff, a robust and reliable technology infrastructure, and patient involvement, the NHS can successfully adopt and spread technology across the organisation, improving patient care and making the NHS more efficient and accessible for all.

HIC are at the forefront of developing realistic digital strategies for healthcare provider organisations and we’re on hand to support the adoption and spread of technology across your organisation. We are truly enthused by the opportunity to deliver digital transformation to improve patient outcomes and we understand that supporting our colleagues NHS provider oragainsations is the first step. We have decades of experience in supporting healthcare organisations develop and deliver digital strategies, realising tangible patient centred benefits and improving the working lives of clinicians across the UK.

We are here to support you – If you’re looking for knowledge and advice about implementing technology, act today and get in touch with our experts at HIC.