New research from Virgin Media O2 Business reveals three in five (61%) NHS staff believe new digital solutions could help at least 18.6 million more patients receive treatment annually.
The ‘Bridging the digital gap in UK healthcare’ report shows nearly two fifths (38%) believe that new digital tools could help the NHS to reach 3-5% more patients each day – potentially benefitting at least 51,000 more people daily.
Technology is recognised as a key enabler of positive change in the health sector. According to the report, digital tech, like electronic health recording and Internet of Things (IoT) devices for monitoring vital medicine, could significantly reduce the of frontline staff and decrease patient waiting times, as noted by 4 out of 5 (86%) of NHS staff. Nearly a quarter (23%) of surveyed healthcare workers, ranging from clinical to admin and IT roles, believe tech improvements could drive at least a 5% 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. Nearly all (98%) respondents acknowledged this has positively influenced hospital technology adoption in their locality. A further 51% of staff believe there has been significant progress in the standardisation of digital systems since January 2023.
With NHS structures varying across the UK, a clear regional divide persists as respondents identify varying levels of digital maturity. Over four-fifths (85%) of surveyed staff in London, Belfast and Edinburgh agree current connectivity solutions in their area effectively support efficient patient care. Yet, this number drops to 65% of staff in the Southeast, Southwest and Yorkshire and the Humber.
“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,” said Mark Burton, health and social care lead, Virgin Media O2 Business. “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.”
