In light of the NHS facing significant challenges due to increasing demand and limited resources, the government’s 10-year health plan emphasizes the role of technology and AI in addressing these pressures and enhancing care.
Current Vision and Future Needs
The plan’s optimistic outlook on technology is commendable, as it outlines a digital-first ambition for the NHS. Key proposals include:
- Creation of a Single Patient Record
- Expansion of the NHS App functionalities
If implemented inclusively, these initiatives could significantly empower individuals to manage their health, which is essential for the sustainability of the NHS.
Supporting Healthcare Staff
The commitment to leveraging technology to assist healthcare staff, such as through ambient voice technology, is also a positive step. The Health Foundation is collaborating with the THIS Institute to support research in this area.
Implementation Challenges
However, translating the vision into reality will require substantial effort. Critics have pointed out the absence of a detailed implementation chapter in the plan. The Health Foundation has long advocated for a focus not just on technological ambitions but also on the practical aspects of implementing and utilizing technology effectively within the NHS.
Beyond Implementation
The plan’s focus on technology often overlooks the necessary changes that must accompany it. It lacks clarity on:
- How to redesign services and care pathways
- How professional roles and workflows will evolve
- What foundational capabilities are needed for successful implementation
Rethinking the NHS App
While the NHS App is positioned as a central tool for enhancing patient interaction with the health service, many proposed features merely digitize existing processes. To truly reshape care delivery, the App must:
- Go beyond digitization to facilitate transformative care
- Incorporate health data from wearables as part of a national virtual ward system
Need for a Clearer Vision
To achieve the anticipated benefits from technology, the government must provide a clearer vision for future care models and a credible plan for service changes. This includes:
- Identifying necessary investments
- Providing training and support
- Offering guidance for effective implementation
Regulatory Framework Updates
The plan acknowledges the need for updated regulations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of new technologies. The government’s commitment to establishing a new regulatory framework for medical devices and an NHS AI strategic roadmap is a step in the right direction.
Co-designing Technology with Stakeholders
Another positive aspect is the commitment to co-designing technology with patients and staff. Previous research indicates a social gradient in willingness to engage with health technology development, highlighting the need for inclusive design processes.
Addressing Basic Technology Needs
While the plan emphasizes advanced AI integration into electronic patient records (EPRs), it fails to address the urgent need to improve existing systems for current users. The NHS must first catch up before it can lead in technological innovation.
Conclusion
The direction outlined in the 10-year plan is ambitious and positive. However, realizing this vision will require focused attention on the necessary changes in care pathways, professional roles, and the underlying infrastructure. Without this, the plan risks remaining a vision of tech optimism rather than a practical roadmap for tech realism.