Digital Health Innovations: Recent Contracts and Go-Lives Transforming Patient Care
The landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements that enhance patient care and streamline operations. This edition of Digital Health’s roundup highlights significant contracts and go-lives across various NHS trusts, showcasing innovative solutions that promise to improve patient experiences and operational efficiencies.
Isle of Wight NHS Trust: A Leap into Digital Consent
In a groundbreaking move, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust is set to launch a digital consent platform developed by Concentric Health, a former finalist in the Digital Health Rewired Pitchfest. Scheduled to go live in October 2024, this platform aims to revolutionize the consent process for medical procedures. By utilizing secure links sent via email or text, patients will be able to provide consent conveniently through their computers, tablets, or smartphones.
This initiative responds directly to patient feedback, emphasizing the trust’s commitment to enhancing patient autonomy and informed decision-making. The platform will also facilitate the sharing of detailed treatment and recovery information with friends and family, fostering a supportive environment for patients during their healthcare journey.
NHS Orkney: Embracing Electronic Patient Records
NHS Orkney is gearing up to implement the Cambric Systems’ Morse electronic patient record (EPR) app in 2025, marking a significant step towards improving access to patient data for healthcare professionals. The contract, finalized in September 2024, will initially serve community mental health teams before expanding to include nurses and physiotherapists.
This deployment is expected to streamline workflows and enhance the quality of care by providing staff with easy access to comprehensive patient information. Cambric Systems is actively collaborating with NHS Orkney to ensure a smooth rollout, with the first services anticipated to launch in early 2025.
Black Country Integrated Care System: Enhancing Patient Engagement
The Black Country Integrated Care System (ICS) is rolling out a patient engagement portal (PEP) developed by Healthcare Communications, aimed at improving patient experience and reducing waiting lists. The implementation will begin at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust by the end of 2025, following successful go-lives at other trusts, including Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust and Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust.
This innovative platform allows patients to receive digital appointment letters directly on their smartphones, as well as the ability to book, change, or cancel appointments with ease. By leveraging technology, the Black Country ICS aims to enhance patient engagement and streamline administrative processes, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.
Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital: Transitioning to Epic EHR
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust has announced plans to implement the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system, following funding approval from NHS England. Set to roll out in November 2025 across all three of the trust’s sites, this transition will replace paper records and integrate various clinical systems into a single, comprehensive clinical record.
The Epic EHR aims to provide healthcare professionals with accurate and up-to-date patient information, thereby improving clinical decision-making and patient safety. This significant upgrade reflects the trust’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies that enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
Dartford and Gravesham: A New Era of Electronic Prescribing
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust has successfully gone live with the Better Meds electronic prescribing and medicine management (ePMA) system, integrating it into its existing electronic patient record system. The rollout, which took place over a weekend in July 2024, involved a dedicated clinical team that transcribed over 500 paper drug charts and 8,000 prescriptions into the new system.
This initiative aims to make the prescribing and administration of medicines safer, faster, and more efficient. With the support of superuser digital champions, staff were guided through the transition, ensuring a smooth adoption of the new ePMA system.
Conclusion: A Future Driven by Digital Health Solutions
The recent contracts and go-lives across various NHS trusts underscore a collective commitment to leveraging technology in healthcare. From digital consent platforms to electronic patient records and patient engagement portals, these innovations are set to enhance patient experiences, improve clinical workflows, and ultimately lead to better health outcomes. As the healthcare sector continues to embrace digital solutions, the future looks promising for both patients and healthcare providers alike.