U N D E R T H E M I C R O S C O P E

DIRECTOR OF BT HEALTHCARE

Staff shortages are one of the biggest issues facing the NHS today and 49 % of people find the current standard of technology in healthcare to be a source of stress , according to a new study by BT . Sultan Mahmud , Director of BT Healthcare , offers some insight into the state of HealthTech currently and why communication , collaboration and long-term partnerships are key to overcoming the barriers .

The research , which polled respondents at 136 different NHS and integrated care organisations within the NHS , indicates that NHS staff view technology as a key aspect of healthcare , but the intended benefits are not always felt where they are most needed .

BT is committed to working together with the NHS to build smarter , safer , more efficient services for everyone . It says the study proves the need for new technology but also notes the challenges reported by NHS staff on how health services are adopting this tech on the frontline . A large proportion ( 77 %) of respondents cited lack of funding as a major hurdle , while a lack of existing skills and resources ( 75 %) and areas with no connectivity ( 58 %) are also issues .

The research suggests that greater communication around technology adoption will help overcome these barriers , with half agreeing that regular feedback sessions ( 50 %), evidence of benefits ( 51 %) and having a clear roadmap ( 55 %) will improve technology adoption and enhance their own role . There are also strong calls for more co-creation during the development of solutions . Some ( 79 %) cite the benefits of PPI groups ( patient , public involvement ) as part of any technology design or deployment project within the NHS .

Staff are the enablers and tech can help boost recruitment

The study shows that healthcare professionals view technology as having an important role to play in addressing one of the biggest issues facing the NHS today : staff shortages . A large number ( 74 %) want their organisation to invest more in new technological solutions and software to help attract new staff and 83 % think it can help to attract a younger workforce from digitally native generations .

Despite recognising the benefits digital technology can bring for healthcare services , the study also shines a light on some of the challenges to progress . The current standard of technology remains a source of stress for nearly half ( 49 %) of NHS staff . They are under considerable pressure , and staffing levels and burnout ( 42 %) are seen as the biggest barriers ( outside of funding ) to Digital Transformation . This is followed by cultural resistance to change ( 37 %) and workforce availability and capability ( 37 %). Some respondents ( 75 %) feel that team capacity ( e . g . lack of relevant skills and / or resources ) is slowing innovation .

Evolving infrastructure through collaboration

While healthcare professionals say the approach to technology adoption needs to evolve , so too does the infrastructure required to support the latest innovation . However , fully connected , interoperable systems , which enable staff to seamlessly connect to apps and solutions are seemingly a little way off .

Nearly all respondents ( 98 %) agree that network , Wi-Fi infrastructure and mobile technology are critical to future innovations in the delivery of healthcare , but 58 % suffer from building not-spots ( areas that receive little or no connectivity ) and 51 % have to switch between devices to carry out tasks . Consequently , 59 % cite difficulties implementing new technology with existing systems and almost one-in-four ( 24 %) have reverted to older processes due to connectivity issues . Professor Sultan Mahmud , BT ’ s Director of Healthcare , said : “ It ’ s clear from this research that NHS staff have a real

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