Overview
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is making significant strides in digital transformation by transitioning from paper to digital clinical noting. This initiative is aimed at improving efficiency for healthcare professionals and is a crucial step towards integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and smart technologies in patient care.
Key Achievements
- Doctors are saving an average of one hour daily on administrative tasks.
- Nurses have reduced handover preparation time by 50%.
- Elimination of paper records has led to the prevention of 1.8 million paper documents being created.
Impact on Patient Care
Dr. Andrew Adair, the Chief Clinical Information Officer, highlights that the availability of standardized and legible notes has made the general ward environment more efficient and safer. The integration of various regional systems into a single electronic patient record has streamlined access to essential information, such as x-rays and outpatient letters.
Collaboration with Alcidion
The trust’s partnership with Alcidion has been pivotal in deploying the Miya Precision platform, which focuses on:
- Patient flow management
- Electronic observations and assessments
- Electronic prescribing and medication administration
- Clinical messaging
Positive Feedback from Staff
Feedback from healthcare staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing surprise at the system’s user-friendliness. Dr. John Greenaway, Deputy CCIO, noted that even staff who were initially hesitant about the transition have embraced the new system, leading to improved morale and productivity.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, the trust plans to incorporate AI technologies to further enhance clinical workflows. This includes:
- AI-driven documentation tools that allow clinicians to dictate summaries.
- Automated generation of discharge letters and handover documents.
- Integration of additional data sources to streamline clinical decision-making.
Conclusion
The transition to digital clinical noting at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is just the beginning. With ongoing enhancements and the integration of AI, the trust is well-positioned to improve patient care and operational efficiency in the future.