Three in five (61 per cent) of NHS staff believe that new digital solutions could help at least 18.6 million more patients receive treatment annually.
That’s according to new research by Virgin Media O2 Business, who found that almost two fifths (38 per cent) of workers think that new digital tools could help the NHS to reach 3 to 5 per cent more patients each day, potentially benefitting at least 51,000 more people daily.
The Bridging the digital gap in UK healthcare report also revealed that digital technology, such as electronic health recording and IoT devices for monitoring vital medicine, could decrease patient waiting times, according to four out of five (86 per cent) NHS staff. Almost one quarter (23 per cent) of surveyed healthcare workers, ranging from clinical to admin and IT roles, believe that tech improvements could drive at least a 5 per cent increase in patient consultations, potentially helping up to 31 million additional people per year.
Since the introduction of integrated care systems across England in 2022, there has been significant digital progress, building on wider integration approaches across the devolved nations. Almost all (98 per cent) respondents acknowledged this has positively influenced hospital technology adoption in their locality. A further 51 per cent of staff believe that there has been significant progress in the standardisation of digital systems since January 2023.
Despite the clear headway that has been made, a clear regional divide persists as respondents have identified varying levels of digital maturity. More than four-fifths (85 per cent) of staff in London, Belfast and Edinburgh agree that current connectivity solutions in their area effectively support efficient patient care. Yet, this number drops to 65 per cent of staff in the south east, south west, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Mark Burton, health and social care lead, Virgin Media O2 Business, said, “The introduction of integrated patient care has already had a positive impact on digital progress across the NHS. However, our findings demonstrate there is still a huge untapped opportunity to use technology to drive operational efficiencies for patients and staff across the UK.
“As the NHS becomes increasingly digital, prioritising digital skills and confidence for staff, fostering open communication and adopting a strategic approach to technology investment will be critical to continued progress. Public-private partnerships can help here, playing a significant role in delivering robust connectivity for an NHS that is ready for anything.”