Digital Maturity in NHS Trusts
A recent report reveals that the majority of National Health Service (NHS) trusts lack key functionality in their electronic patient record (EPR) systems. According to the first year’s results from the Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA), NHS trusts that utilize EPR systems do not fully exploit their potential.
Key Takeaways:
– Only 10 to 30% of the 90% NHS trusts with EPR utilize the system to its full potential.
– Statistics are part of results from the first year of the Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA).
– The information was presented at the latest Digital Health Networks Exchange event in London.Diving into the Figures
The DMA analysis provides insight into issues affecting 90% of NHS trusts currently operating EPR systems. Surprisingly, of these trusts, only 10 to 30% are leveraging the key features of their systems in a significant manner.
This outcome emphasizes the glaring need for NHS trusts to improve their digital maturity. With EPR systems offering many benefits, the lag in full utilization can feel stark.
Digital Health Networks Exchange Event
This startling statistic came to light at the latest Digital Health Networks Exchange event held in London. Here, health sector professionals shared insights, experiences, and industry trends. The event facilitated meaningful dialogues about cutting-edge technology in healthcare and its administration.
The Road to Digital Maturity
Maximizing digital health tools like EPR systems is the central tenet in the quest for digital maturity. While the healthcare sector is rapidly incorporating digital tools, the low usage rate among NHS trusts suggests a significant lag.
Improving Digital Savviness in NHS Trusts
There’s an obvious need for more training, awareness, and efforts to optimize digital functionality. While implementing an EPR system is one thing, making the most out of it is an entirely different matter.
Offering Proper Training
Properly training healthcare professionals and administrators in digital tools utilization is paramount. Training enhances their skills, enabling them to tap into various functionalities that might be underutilized currently.
Promoting Digital Literacy
Alongside training, promoting digital literacy is essential. Organizations need to set up initiatives to enhance digital literacy among staff, promoting a technologically-inclined mindset.
Estimation of Digital Maturity Levels
To understand and improve digital maturity, an estimation of current levels is crucial. The DMA serves as a useful tool in estimating these levels and thereby offers a roadmap for necessary improvements.
Making the Most of the EPR Systems
Taking full advantage of what EPR systems offer could significantly enhance patient care quality. Therefore, the NHS trusts must accelerate their efforts in achieving higher levels of digital maturity.
The Power of Awareness
Raising awareness about the extent to which these digital tools can be exploited is a necessary step. It is important to emphasize how digital technologies can streamline processes, boost efficiency, and ultimately improve patient care.
In conclusion, the DMA results have shed light on a pressing issue. The healthcare sector needs to ramp up its efforts in leveraging digital technologies. A prime example lies in the under-utilization of EPR systems by a majority of NHS trusts. Through adequate training and initiatives promoting digital literacy, NHS trusts could significantly boost their digital maturity levels thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare.