The King’s Fund emphasizes the importance of digital technology in delivering the government’s goal of moving care closer to home.
Labour’s manifesto advocates for a ‘neighbourhood health service’, emphasizing the shift of resources to primary care and community services for improved care delivery in the community.
According to a report commissioned by Nourish and The King’s Fund, digital technologies in GPs, pharmacies, community trusts, and care providers need to be enhanced to achieve this vision.
The report highlights the potential of technology in reducing hospital admissions, enhancing patient experience, and supporting individuals with ongoing care needs for independent living.
Despite efforts by some integrated care systems, community providers face challenges in accessing the necessary funds for digital transformation, leading to inconsistencies in available tools for staff and patients.
The report stresses the importance of involving NHS and social care staff in the development or selection of systems that best suit their needs in community settings.
Both Pritesh Mistry from The King’s Fund and Nuno Almeida from Nourish emphasize the need for thoughtful adoption of digital technology in community settings to improve care outcomes and streamline processes for healthcare teams.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the transformative role of technology in patient care and plans to equip the NHS with cutting-edge technology through the Fit For The Future Fund.
