Summary
The Digital Maturity Index is about measuring use of information technology (IT) to improve patient safety and outcomes, reduce bureaucracy and achieve greater efficiencies in the NHS.
The Digital Maturity Assessment Programme involves assessing (i) effectiveness in the use of technology regarding digital care records, transfers of care and medicines management, and (ii) developing a framework for use across acute, mental health, community, ambulance and social care settings.
The digital maturity index will help local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to assess progress towards eradicating the use of paper in the treatment of patients across all health and care services by 2020, and to allocate resources effectively.
Reference
Digital maturity self-assessment guidance launched. London: NHS England, November 4th 2015.
See also:
Reference
Digital Maturity Assessment. London: NHS England, November 2015.
This relates to:
Reference
The Forward View Into Action. Paper-free at the point of care: completing the Digital Maturity Self-assessment. London: National Information Board (NIB), November 3rd 2015.
Persistence of Digital Immaturity: NHS Use of Fax Machines
A Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) poll of 95 trusts revealed nearly 9000 fax machines remaining in use across England. The NHS is world’s largest purchaser of fax machines (now widely recognised as an archaic and obsolete technology).
Reference
Ives, L. (2018). NHS still reliant on ‘archaic’ fax machines. London: BBC Health News, July 13th 2018.
Faxed: The End of an Era?
Use of fax machines is to be phased-out entirely by March 31st 2020.
Reference
NHS told to ditch ‘absurd’ fax machines. London: BBC Health News, December 9th 2018.
The End of Pagers/Paging
The use of pagers in the NHS is to be phased-out by 2021.
Reference
NHS told to ditch ‘outdated’ pagers. London: BBC Health News, February 23rd 2019.
This relates to:
Reference
Health and Social Care Secretary bans pagers from the NHS. London: Department for Health and Social Care, February 23rd 2019.
