U N D E R T H E M I C R O S C O P E belief in technology and its potential for delivering greater healthcare for everyone . However , it ’ s also clear that we need to work together to evolve the approach to adoption and infrastructure . This is about making sure technology is a driver : easing staff stresses , supporting recruitment , unlocking Digital Transformation and delivering better patient outcomes . The NHS needs partners that will stand alongside it shoulder-toshoulder and BT is proud to be on that journey .”
To support NHS Trusts with this ongoing challenge , BT has launched its Vanguard Programme . The ‘ clinically led , digitally enabled ’ programme sees BT partner with NHS Trusts to co-create technology that is specifically developed for the challenges healthcare providers face . The programme focuses on the needs of patients , clinical staff , administrators , or the many others who are critical to delivering care .
“ The NHS finds itself under immense pressure and it needs partners that are able to really listen and co-create solutions that have a positive impact on workloads and patient experience ,” Dr Tim Ringrose , President , Digital Health , Royal Society of Medicine . “ We can all see the potential technology can have , but right now it ’ s not always deployed in the right ways . Our mission is to share healthcare learning and support innovation , and the future of our healthcare system is dependent on working with partners that have similar commitments .”
We caught up with Sultan Mahmud , Director of BT Healthcare , to pick his brains about the relationship between tech and healthcare ’ s frontline and how this can be improved .
How are health services adopting tech on the frontline currently ?
Technology is already playing a huge role in supporting workers on the frontline in the NHS – from streamlining patient care by digitising patient records , to implementing remote patient care wherever clinically appropriate with care closer to home . The theory of change is to speed up workflow for clinicians and support decision-making , deliver anticipatory care and release time to take by automating mundane admin tasks . However , more can and needs to be done to empower staff , enhance care and use tech to relieve unprecedented levels of stress .
The vast majority of those we spoke to on the frontline agreed that technological infrastructure – the basic fundamentals – are not in place but are required to move to newer care models that relieve pressure on our hospitals and GP practices . Repeatedly , issues with infrastructure – like building connectivity ‘ not-spots ’ and the need to switch between devices to carry out tasks – are shown to be a continued thorn in the side of NHS staff . There is a clear appetite for adoption , but existing systems and processes are holding the NHS back . That ’ s where BT can support and help break down these barriers .
How will technology have an important role to play in addressing staff shortages – one of the biggest issues facing the NHS today ?
This is a global problem , with a global workforce shortage in healthcare of 25 million . The long-awaited workforce plan produced by the NHS in 2023 proposes a 55 % increase in staffing by 2035 . It ’ s a gargantuan challenge , but technology can help by reducing the burden of administrative tasks , releasing time to care , digitising new models of care closer to home and , where appropriate , transforming self-care by giving patients greater control over their health and well-being for an increasing number of conditions and care pathways . It can also improve operational efficiency for administrators and improve the experience of delivering care for busy clinicians .
Moving forward , how can we find a solution to staffing levels and burnout being the biggest barriers to Digital Transformation ?
The way forward is to be actively listening to NHS organisations about the challenges their workers face and then working with them as trusted partners to cocreate solutions that results in user buy-in right from the outset . This is the foundation of BT ’ s Vanguard Innovation Programme . For example , as part of the programme last year , we introduced digital tools that capture NHS staff sentiment and ideas for improvement for their boards – this kind of activity gives control back to the frontline and helps alleviate burnout .
Through listening to those on the frontline and consulting with our Clinical Advisory Board , who are practicing doctors and nurses every step of the way , we ensure each technology decision is driven by the real-life everyday challenges clinicians face .
How do you think greater communication around technology adoption will help overcome these barriers ?
I think communication , collaboration and long-term partnerships are key . Our insights survey showed that 74 % of NHS staff believe that technology can help transform patient care in England and want their organisation to invest in new solutions and software to attract staff .
To overcome barriers to digitisation , it ’ s crucial the NHS and trusted partners like BT work in unison to allow NHS staff to see the art of the possible and how other sectors have been transformed . In addition , a success regime that rewards NHS organisations on comprehensive digitallyenabled workforce strategies would be top of my list . �
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