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The digital pathway for future healthcare

The Clinical Services Journal’s technical editor, Kate Woodhead RGB, DMS, believes new technology holds a great deal of promise that we may be able to do more with less. But how will this enable healthcare professionals to use their time more effectively and equally achieve better outcomes for patients

The NHS has had a fair few disasters with large scale technological developments in the past and so it is with some scepticism that the new provisions are being greeted. 

Many Trusts are digitising under their own steam and so small scale developments are effected locally, which has its own impact. The new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock used to work in the technology industry and is a keen proponent of the benefits which the NHS could accrue. He has already put £200 million on the table for digital development, although as we know this is a small drop in a very expensive ocean. However, we would be foolish to miss this opportunity to start to use far more technology in our work, for as we know this has made our lives easier away from work. 

The Royal College of Nursing undertook a consultation regarding technology in healthcare which is worth reporting1 some of the barriers to developments which were significant. Anyone currently working on the wards of acute care hospitals will be familiar with the reported difficulties which cited that, “My Trust is just upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 (an operating system which is already more than ten years out of date). Many of our computers are so old, the upgrade cannot take place. I hate to think how much nursing time is wasted waiting for computers to switch on, load emails, bring up blood results etc. There are rarely enough computers to match demand....” and “the biggest barrier to any system, be it electronic or paper- based, is chronic understaffing. If staff haven’t time to take a break, use the bathroom and are struggling to deliver patient care, they will find it difficult to engage with and learn new systems.” 

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Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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