The UK healthcare sector stands at a critical juncture, marked by an ageing population, declining birth rates, and growing waiting lists that are placing unprecedented pressure on the NHS. These issues place a significant strain on the NHS, prompting a need to examine the current technology infrastructure, to ensure that it meets the requirements to build a modern healthcare system.
Technology is not just a tool for improvement, but an absolute necessity for the future of healthcare in the UK. By leveraging technology, we can improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery.
The demographic imperative
The demographic challenge facing the UK is stark. The proportion of the population aged 65 and over is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades, with 22% of the UK set to be in that demographic by 2032. This ageing population, coupled with a declining birth rate, means that the NHS will need to care for more patients with increasingly complex needs, while grappling with a shrinking workforce.
This demographic shift is not unique to the UK, as the World Health Organisation has highlighted a global trend towards an ageing population. However, the combination of the UK’s challenges, including a declining birth rate, a shrinking workforce, and a growing shortage of healthcare professionals necessitates a response that leverages technological innovation to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare services.
Technological solutions for an ageing population
Technology infrastructure offers numerous solutions to address the specific needs of an ageing population. Telehealth (the use of telecommunications technology to deliver healthcare service remotely) and virtual wards (a healthcare delivery model that enables patients to receive hospital-level care at home), for example, can provide a lifeline for older patients with limited mobility. By enabling remote consultations, monitoring, and even some treatments, these technologies can improve access to care, reduce hospital admissions, and enhance patient autonomy.
“If the NHS is to be built for the future, it has a significant legacy infrastructure hurdle that it must overcome,” says Phil Moore, Digital Innovation Lead at Insight. “A phased approach, combining gradual upgrades with strategic investments in new systems, can ensure continuity of care while facilitating a transition to more agile and interoperable infrastructure.”
Prioritising data migration and integration, coupled with robust cybersecurity measures, is essential to avoid data loss and ensure seamless information flow across platforms. Additionally, investing in comprehensive training and upskilling programmes is crucial to empower healthcare professionals to embrace new technologies. By fostering a culture of digital literacy, the NHS can maximise the potential of these tools and drive innovation in healthcare delivery.
Enhanced community care solutions, powered by technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), can revolutionise the way care is delivered in the community.
These tools can empower healthcare professionals, enabling them to deliver personalised care in the patient’s own home, improving their quality of life and reducing the need for hospitalisation. AI-powered diagnostics and predictive analytics can also aid in early detection and intervention, potentially preventing the escalation of health issues and reducing hospital admissions. AR technology infrastructure has the potential to put back thousands of hours into care and reduce lead times for diagnoses and treatments.
Data-driven decision-making is another crucial aspect of the technological transformation. By leveraging data analytics, healthcare providers can identify patterns and trends, predict future needs, and allocate resources more efficiently. For example, predictive analytics can help anticipate patient admissions, allowing hospitals to better manage staffing levels and resource allocation. Similarly, data analytics can identify high-risk patient groups, enabling targeted interventions and preventative care strategies. This can lead to more proactive and preventative care, reducing the risk of hospitalisation and improving long-term health outcomes.
The role of collaboration and government support
The successful implementation of these technological solutions requires a collaborative approach. The NHS, third-party Solutions Integrators like Insight, and the government need to work together to create a cohesive ecosystem that supports innovation, data sharing, and the seamless integration of new technologies into existing healthcare infrastructure. Previous successful examples include a council in Devon trialling immersive AR technology to reduce demand on healthcare services, and a non-profit social enterprise utilising VR to improve the mental wellbeing of its residents.
Rob Walker, Head of Health and Social Care at techUK, reinforces the importance of a collaborative effort, stating that: “The Labour government has made clear its intentions to better digitise the Health & Social Care sector. Recent ministerial appointments and the creation of an NHS long-term plan indicate a willingness to tackle the challenges facing the NHS head on, the Lord Darzi investigation of NHS Performance and the development of a 10-year NHS Plan (led by Sally Warren), shows a long-term, strategic approach to the Health & Care sector. Additionally, the measures set out in the King’s speech show a commitment to utilising digital, data and technology infrastructure to reduce waiting times and focus on prevention.”
The government has a pivotal role to play in fostering this environment and has the mandate to do so. By providing funding, establishing standards for interoperability, and encouraging a culture of innovation, the government can create the conditions necessary for the healthcare sector to thrive in the digital age.
Overcoming challenges, embracing the future
The road ahead is not without its challenges for the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting. Legacy administrative technology, data security concerns, and the need for significant investment are all obstacles that the country must face. However, the potential benefits of embracing technological advancements must be considered.
By continuing to invest in digital transformation and infrastructure with third-party providers, the NHS can create a healthcare system that is not only equipped to meet the challenges of an ageing population but also empowered to deliver better care, improve patient outcomes, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the NHS. The future of the NHS is a technological one and must be delivered if it is to be fit for the future.
By Richard Hodgkins, Public Sector Sales Manager, Healthcare, at Insight
