E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N

Firstly , capital investment dedicated to improving technology usage must increase . Previously announced measures – such as the £ 30 million earmarked for rolling out innovative technology – are a good start , but significantly more funding is required . We need the healthcare system to have the required resources to effectively utilise developing technologies and improve the core technology systems available .

Secondly , the entire NHS should be incentivised to embrace the power of data analytics . Data is found everywhere across healthcare . Globally , we expect over 10 trillion gigabytes of healthcare data by the end of next year – which has the potential to improve productivity , patient outcomes , and medical technology innovation – if necessary decisions are taken allowing HealthTechs to flourish .

At a technical level , the new Government should mandate standardised data collection processes . Currently the healthcare system collects vast amounts of data , but it is fragmented , existing in isolation – reducing its usefulness . A standardised collection process would make data impactful and drive improvements .

Similarly , new tech infrastructure should be designed with interoperability in-mind – again to break down siloes . For example , the Government should ensure the multitude of devices found in surgical operating rooms can all communicate and share data effectively . This would vastly improve the quantity and quality of data collected , providing an in-depth view of treatments pathways , care processes , and workflows . Healthcare teams could then use outputs to drive productivity and / or share surgical techniques ; reducing waiting lists and improving patient outcomes .

Finally , the Government needs to invest in people – the surgeons , doctors , nurses , managers and administrative staff – and give them the tools to embrace technological innovation .

While many staff are aware of innovative technologies , a fundamental gap persists between awareness and adoption . Nearly half of healthcare teams have not adopted analytics for measuring surgical performance , while 70 % of organisations still rely on traditional manual tools to analyse data .

If this gap can be overcome great benefits will flow ; lower readmission rates for patients , shorter hospital stays , and higher patient satisfaction .

Given the widespread use of AI across healthcare is fast approaching , today ’ s Government decisions should be cognisant of the huge technology change coming ; preparing the NHS to use HealthTech innovation effectively and avoid previous pitfalls of technology rollouts . �

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