As 2022’s #NHSConfedExpo comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the week’s key takeaways relating to digital healthcare. It was great to see DHC members TeleTracking and HBSUK both have stalls at the conference. They spoke to attendees about how they can offer innovative digital solutions to current challenges – such as optimising bed utilisation,… Read More Reflections from NHS ConfedExpo 2022
Today marks the start of Carers Week 2022 which aims to bring attention to the challenges faced by carers to ensure that they feel visible, valued and supported in all areas of life. Digital transformation can play a crucial role in facilitating care and alleviating some of the numerous pressures placed on carers. With the launch of ICSs… Read More Carers Week 2022
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
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’
Today is World Health Day and focus for this year is on the urgent actions needed to keep the planet healthy. But how can digital health help the environment? It has previously been reported that 9.5 billion miles of all road travel in England relates to the NHS, 6.5 billion of which are down to… Read More World Health Day
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’
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
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 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
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