Taking a look at NHS England waiting list figures

With each month’s elective waiting list data, we have come to expect new record waiting numbers with depressing regularity. This week’s figures continue that trend with the total waiting list growing to 6.4 million. There are some positive signs on activity, but this masks a growing challenge with admissions. Our director Graham Kendall has written for Digital… Read More Taking a look at NHS England waiting list figures

DHC responds to ‘Over one third of GP practices forced to stop routine care in the past year’

A survey by Pulse has found that over one third of GP practices have been forced to stop routine care in the past year. Graham Kendall, Director of Digital Healthcare Council said: “With record pressures on general practice, we need to make the most of every tool available, and digital providers can play a significant… Read More DHC responds to ‘Over one third of GP practices forced to stop routine care in the past year’

DHC response to ‘Access to and delivery of general practice services’

The Health Foundation have published a study of patients at practices using digital and online tools. Read the full report here. Graham Kendall, Director of Digital Healthcare Council said: “People want their health problems addressed efficiently and effectively. This study shows only around 10% of patients ask for a face-to-face appointment. In turn, that raises… Read More DHC response to ‘Access to and delivery of general practice services’

Responding to Why do GPs rarely do video consultations? qualitative study in UK general practice

This study highlights the importance of providing patients and clinicians with a high-quality choice in consultation type.  There will always be a role for telephone and face-to-face consultations, and the option of video consultations is an important part of that choice. With record pressure on general practice, embracing digital solutions including video consultations is a… Read More Responding to Why do GPs rarely do video consultations? qualitative study in UK general practice

At your service

Earlier today Policy Exchange’s Health and Social Care Unit published a major report, At your service, on General Practice. It’s an excellent critique with many worthwhile proposals for change. Its section on digital transformation is particularly interesting. Definitely worth reading in full, but key standouts for us on digital health include specific proposals to: Shift… Read More At your service

Today’s record waiting lists reveal trends slipping under the radar

Today’s waiting list data reveals some of the startling challenges before us. Following the publication of the elective recovery plan earlier this week, it’s unsurprising that we see yet another record waiting list finally topping 6 million. However, diving into the figures reveals a number of worrying trends. Many more people are waiting much longer… Read More Today’s record waiting lists reveal trends slipping under the radar

DHC highlights major gap between Government policy and what patients want in response to Health Select Committee inquiry

In our response to the Health and Social Care Committee inquiry into the future of general practice, we highlight: 1. The government policy of increasing face-to-face GP appointments works against what most people want Every week, Digital Healthcare Council members ask millions of patients how they want to engage with general practice and what sort… Read More DHC highlights major gap between Government policy and what patients want in response to Health Select Committee inquiry

Building a learning health and social care system with artificial intelligence

During a recent DHC meeting of members and key figures from NHSX, we explored challenges in developing sustainable health and social care AI solutions. Several key themes emerged: Focus on outcomes. Defining improved health and social care outcomes should be the starting point for AI, as with any other technology solution. Our national AI strategy… Read More Building a learning health and social care system with artificial intelligence

GP burnout – is tech to blame for mounting workloads?

Commenting in Andrea Downey’s article in Digital Health News, DHC director Graham Kendall explained how technology has an important part to play reducing GP burnout and managing patient demand, giving examples of how DHC members have been supporting clinicians to tackle the pressures of Covid. “With a record-level waiting list of 5.4 million and an… Read More GP burnout – is tech to blame for mounting workloads?