Call for Digital Leadership Among AHPs

Allied health professionals (AHPs) are being urged to take on digital leadership roles to help the NHS achieve its digital goals outlined in the 10-year health plan. This message was emphasized by a panel of experts during a recent webinar hosted by Digital Health.

Findings from Digital Maturity Assessment

Prabha Vijayakumar, the chief AHP information officer at NHS England, shared insights from a digital maturity assessment conducted for AHPs. The assessment aimed to establish a baseline of digital capabilities across the allied health professions.

• Significant gaps were identified in digital leadership, AI literacy, and data analytics capabilities.
• AHP digital leadership roles are often informal, lacking recognition and support, with a national maturity level of only 28%.
• AI and decision support literacy stands at 38%, with minimal training available.
• Data analytics capabilities are described as patchy, with a maturity level of around 50%.

Need for Investment

Vijayakumar emphasized the need for investment in leadership, representation, training, and inclusion to address these gaps. Emma Jackson, chief AHP and nursing information officer at Norfolk Community Health and Care, highlighted ongoing innovations, such as the rollout of electronic med fit notes, as examples of how AHPs can leverage existing functionalities.

Encouragement to Engage in Digital Conversations

Jackson encouraged AHPs to actively seek out digital leads and participate in regional digital AHP interest groups. She stated, “Join that conversation.”

Clinical Safety as a Pathway to Digital Roles

Amy Freeman, chief digital information officer at University Hospitals of North Midlands, pointed out that clinical safety roles could serve as an entry point into digital leadership. She noted the scarcity of clinical safety officers and stressed the importance of teamwork in addressing digital challenges.

Addressing Digital Exclusion

Freeman also addressed concerns regarding digitally excluded patients, urging AHPs not to shy away from digital advancements due to a small number of individuals who may struggle to engage. “We can serve them better by moving digital,” she stated.

Looking Forward

As the NHS aims to fulfill its 10-year health plan, Vijayakumar warned that AHPs must not remain passive. “Digital will be the biggest player,” she asserted, urging AHPs to leverage data to enhance patient care.

For those interested, the webinar is available for on-demand viewing here.