NHS at crossroads: embracing digital transformation challenges

The NHS is at a crucial juncture as it grapples with the opportunities and challenges presented by digital transformation. A recent roundtable event hosted by BT brought together healthcare and technology leaders to discuss the impediments and potential solutions for creating a digital health revolution within the NHS.

Professor Sultan Mahmud, Director of Healthcare at BT, who also has over two decades of experience within the NHS, shared insights from an enlightening debate held at The King’s Fund. The panel, co-hosted by BBC journalist Anu Anand, included notable experts like Dr Paul Bhogal, Dr Michael Quinn, Rachel Murphy, Dr Franz Pfister, Bryce Travers, and Dr Amrita Kumar. The discussion covered several critical areas where technological advancements could significantly benefit the NHS.

Despite being a trusted partner of the NHS for many years and introducing various technologies such as electronic patient records and AI-powered communication platforms, BT and other stakeholders encounter several persistent barriers. These obstacles are hindering the broader implementation of technology within the NHS.

Among the key barriers identified are the lack of incentives for innovation, a fragmented NHS structure, short-termism, non-digitised patient journeys, and a general lack of trust in technology. Clinical staff, already stretched thin with their primary responsibilities, often bear the burden of identifying and advocating for new technologies. Additionally, the disjointed nature of NHS trusts means no single group is accountable for driving technological change.

The pressure to manage growing patient waiting lists and staffing shortages further exacerbates the issue, diverting attention from long-term, sustainable technological solutions. Moreover, patient data and health records are rarely compatible or shareable across different NHS units, complicating care continuity. The widespread adoption of technology also faces resistance due to concerns about data security and privacy.

Despite these challenges, the roundtable highlighted various successful examples of technology improving patient care. Instances included using AI to detect abnormalities in X-rays and developing early detection methods for stroke-like symptoms. However, scaling these innovations requires a concerted effort and a cultural shift within the NHS.

To drive this digital health revolution forward, the roundtable formulated a five-point plan emphasising several priorities. Firstly, scalable platforms need to be built so that successful technological implementations can be adopted across multiple NHS trusts. Modernising data infrastructure to ensure alignment between primary, secondary, and tertiary care providers is also crucial.

National leadership combined with local delivery can facilitate more effective governance frameworks for technological adoption. Better communication about the benefits of technology and reassuring the public about data security can help build trust. Additionally, shifting mindsets to enact change more swiftly and embracing a proactive approach, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, are vital for accelerating this transformation.

Professor Mahmud stressed the importance of considering each step of the NHS's digital transformation carefully, ensuring that patients' best interests are central to every decision. As the world continues to evolve with new technologies like AI, it is imperative for the NHS to embrace these advancements and work with trusted partners to build a robust digital health future.