The Digital Health Summer Schools 2024 provided an exciting opportunity for industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and IT experts to come together and discuss the future of digital health. This year's theme was around the big challenges in digital health. Our interactive session, inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, delved into the challenges and considerations that a Trust will encounter as part of the Digital Transformation Journey, and our attendees collaborated in a dynamic and creative setting to share ideas and strategies.
Across the span of the two days, we attended a few sessions and presentations, and these are the key insights from our team:
Blueprints' Reinvention: A recurring theme throughout the event was the concept of blueprints in digital health. Interestingly, while the notion of blueprints is not new and has been emphasised for over 15 years by the Global Digital Exemplars (GDE), there was a consensus that we are still in the process of reinventing them. This paradox highlights the ongoing evolution and refinement necessary in the digital health landscape.
EPR Optimisation: The optimisation of Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) emerged as a major topic. Trusts face significant challenges with business change, often perceiving projects as "clinically led" or "IT-led" rather than a holistic organisational initiative. This segmentation can hinder the seamless integration and effectiveness of EPR systems.
Supplier Challenges: A notable amount of concern was expressed towards EPR suppliers, reflecting widespread issues with the limitations and performance of current systems. This sentiment underscores the need for more robust, adaptable solutions that can meet the diverse needs of different trusts and ensure smoother implementations and operations.
Implementation Experiences: Sir Jim Mackey and Shauna McMahon from The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust shared their ongoing journey with implementing Cerner. Despite their progress, they acknowledged that significant challenges remain, highlighting the complexity and scale of such projects. Their insights emphasised the importance of perseverance and continuous improvement in the face of obstacles.
Future Data Platform (FDP): Ming Tang, Chief Data and Analytics Officer from NHS England, talked about the Future Data Platform (FDP), emphasising that each Integrated Care System (ICS) can have its local instance and opt into nationally developed products. This approach promises improved connectivity and data sharing, enabling data-driven decisions. However, it's important to note that this initiative has yet to receive approval from the new government.
Workforce Development and Digital Skills: Another area of discussion was the importance of investing in workforce development. John Quinn, CIO of NHS England, suggested mapping job descriptions to the government framework to increase opportunities for the workforce, potentially addressing some of the current challenges. Building relationships with colleagues and seeking out networking opportunities were highlighted as essential for professional growth. Additionally, it was stressed that DDaT (Digital, Data, and Technology) needs to be at the heart of NHS transformation, ensuring that digital tools are effectively utilised by staff. It is crucial to avoid overwhelming staff with excessive technology and to consider their familiarity and experience with these tools.
Patient Engagement and Behavioural Change: Digital health has the potential to significantly change patient behaviour. For example, one presentation highlighted a patient who, through remote monitoring solutions, was able to seek GP support as soon as they noticed changes in their health, preventing multiple episodes of being detained. Such technologies empower patients to be more proactive in managing their health, illustrating the positive impact of digital tools on patient outcomes. Increasing the adoption of these technologies could lead to broader improvements in healthcare and patient engagement in the future.
Incident Disruption and Cybersecurity: The second day of the event was disrupted by a significant incident involving Microsoft, which resulted in some trusts losing access to systems. This disruption underscored the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures and having contingency plans in place. Ensuring that healthcare organisations are prepared with backup strategies for technical disruptions is crucial for maintaining continuity of care and operations during unforeseen issues.
Looking Ahead...
The discussions at the Digital Health Summer Schools made it clear that while there is a strong desire among trusts to advance and optimise digital health systems, there are still significant hurdles to overcome. The change in government and the upcoming spring plans announcement add an element of uncertainty. The government aims to complete its 10-year plan for health services by next spring, 2025, which could provide the necessary direction and support for these initiatives.
Overall, the event highlighted the resilience and innovation within the digital health community. It's crucial that we maintain this momentum and continue to push for improvements and integrations that can transform healthcare delivery. As we await further guidance and decisions, the focus should remain on addressing immediate challenges and leveraging collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change.
Reach out to us to discuss your objectives and discover how we can help drive your digital health initiatives forward.
