Summary
This report, released by the Department of Health and researched by Price Waterhouse Coopers, indicates potential benefits for staff and patients which could be achieved by better use of information and digital technology in the NHS and social care.
Examples of good practice in the UK are cited. It is estimated that £4.4 billion per year could be freed-up and reinvested in improving care as a result of digital initiatives such as using text messages for negative test results, integrated health and adult social care services, electronic prescribing and electronic patient records.
Reference
A review of the potential benefits from the better use of information and technology in health and social care. Final Report. London: Department of Health & PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, January 2013.
Antecedents
See also, an earlier Department of Health report:
Reference
The power of information: putting all of us in control of the health and care information we need. London: Department of Health, May 2012.
Click here for more downloads about the Department of Health’s a ten-year framework for transforming information for the NHS, public health and social care.
Digital First (Formerly Digital by Default)
Digital First (formerly Digital by Default) is a Department of Health initiative aiming to reduce unnecessary face-to-face contact between patients and healthcare professionals by using digital technology.
Read more: Digital First.
NHSNetworks Reality-Check?
Note: Alternatively, there is the comic send-up of this intellectual approach in general: “Faster, Cheaper, Smaller, Neater: Digitising the NHS” setting-out the benefits of a fully digital health service. These viewpoints are not incompatible; it is permissible to appreciate both.
Digital First: Pathology Innovation (NHS England)
The following report discusses use of digital systems and processes in pathology to improve quality of care; whether in terms of early diagnosis, the prevention of premature mortality or assisting in the management of long-term conditions.
Reference
National Pathology Programme (2014). Digital first: clinical transformation through pathology innovation. London: NHS England, February 2014.
June 2016 Update: Adapting Pathology Services to Better Meet Patients’ and Clinicians’ Needs
Lord Carter estimates efficiency savings of £200 million are possible.
Reference
Karakusevic, S. Edwards, N. Lewis, R. [and] Dayan, M. (2016). The future of pathology services. London: Nuffield Trust, June 28th 2016.
