NHS transformation will rely on optimisation of technology amid financial challenges, says Philips

Optimisation of technology could help overcome NHS digital transformation hurdles as financial challenges slow investment, according to Royal Philips.

The company has released the results of its Future Health Index UK&I report, which highlights that technology is on track to change the way care is delivered. The study of 200 UK healthcare leaders found that 85 per cent of leaders see automating repetitive tasks as critical to relieving staffing pressures across the NHS, while three-quarters see automation as key to empowering the healthcare workforce to perform at their highest skill. However, investment in new medical equipment and technological solutions is difficult amid financial challenges within the NHS, says Philips.

“Nearly all healthcare leaders are facing economic gaps or financial challenges (97 per cent), and 77 per cent have faced delayed, limited or no investment in medical equipment and technological solutions. Alongside this, seven in 10 say that shortages of equipment or staff have led to longer waiting times and delayed access to care,” the company continues. “Lord Darzi’s Independent Investigation of the NHS in England revealed that NHS transformation has been stunted by lack of spending on health assets and infrastructure over the past decade, while an NHS Providers survey recently found that 51 per cent of NHS leaders were extremely concerned about delivering operational priorities within their organisation’s 2024/25 financial budget.”

Efficiency will be a fundamental focus for the NHS and Philips urges healthcare services to invest sustainably and optimise existing technology if they are to drive change amidst ongoing pressures.

Looking ahead, the Philips report showed leaders are optimistic about the potential for data-driven care. They see opportunities in optimising treatment plans and care pathways (56 per cent) and reducing hospital readmissions (39 per cent).

Healthcare leaders also believe that improved accuracy of patient data (62 per cent) and interoperability between different platforms and healthcare settings (60 per cent) are critical to delivering better care to more people.

However, data barriers persist within the NHS. Almost all healthcare leaders (94 per cent) say their organisation experiences data integration challenges that impact care provision. Seventy-six per cent of leaders noted a lack of healthcare data for underserved communities in their areas.

More effort is needed to drive widespread data optimisation, as only 27 per cent of leaders see the benefit of data-driven insights in detecting medical conditions.

With the NHS accounting for four per cent of the UK’s CO2 emissions, Philips believes that sustainable investment could provide a realistic solution to drive innovation and efficiency, in the long and short term. “By refurbishing and upgrading existing estates and equipment with a circular economy mindset, healthcare organisations can achieve economic sustainability and find effective solutions to financial and operational challenges,” the company says.

Picture: Philips reports that healthcare leaders are optimistic about the potential for data-driven care.

Read this report on page 18 of the November 2024 issue of RAD Magazine.