As we speak, the NHS is undergoing a significant digital transformation
This transformation is driven by the need to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and adopt innovative technologies. But digital transformation goes beyond merely upgrading existing systems; it involves rethinking and reengineering how healthcare services are delivered. Central to this change is the adoption of advanced telephony solutions like Microsoft Teams Phone, which integrate voice with a suite of digital tools to empower healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.
However, the vision for digital transformation in the NHS extends far beyond voice communication. This blog explores various initiatives and technologies shaping the future of healthcare in the UK.
Scotland’s NHS 24 online app: empowering patients
In August 2024, the Scottish Government published ‘Care in the Digital Age: Delivery Plan 2023-24’, with one aim of this strategy being to give citizens access to services that can improve their wellbeing. Scotland’s NHS 24 online app is a prime example of how digital tools can empower patients by providing them with easy access to healthcare services.
The app offers a range of functionalities, including symptom checkers, health advice, and direct communication with healthcare professionals. This accessibility ensures that patients can receive timely advice and support, reducing the burden on emergency services and improving overall healthcare delivery.
Power BI and ELFT: Transforming East London NHS Foundation Trust
The East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) has harnessed the power of Microsoft’s Power BI to transform its operations. Power BI enables the trust to analyse vast amounts of data, providing valuable insights into patient care and operational efficiency. By visualising data trends and identifying areas for improvement, ELFT can make informed decisions that enhance patient outcomes and streamline processes.
This transformation underscores the potential of data-driven decision-making in healthcare.
NHS Trust and Power Platform: Streamlining processes
Many NHS Trusts are leveraging Microsoft’s Power Platform to streamline their processes. The Power Platform includes tools like Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI, which can be customised to meet specific organisational needs.
These tools enable healthcare providers to automate routine tasks, improve data management, and enhance overall efficiency. For instance, automating patient appointment scheduling and follow-ups can free up valuable time for healthcare professionals to focus on direct patient care.
NHS Wales innovation: Using Microsoft 365
NHS Wales has adopted Microsoft 365 to foster innovation and improve collaboration across its healthcare services. Microsoft 365 integrates various tools such as Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, facilitating seamless communication and data sharing among healthcare professionals.
This integration supports remote working, enhances teamwork, and ensures that critical information is readily accessible, ultimately leading to better patient care.
Digital transformation in the NHS Workplace with Microsoft Azure
Microsoft Azure is playing a crucial role in transforming the NHS workplace by providing a secure, scalable, and flexible cloud platform. Azure supports a wide range of applications, from electronic health records to telemedicine platforms, enabling the NHS to deliver more efficient and effective care. The cloud infrastructure ensures that healthcare providers can access patient data and applications from anywhere, supporting both in-person and remote care.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT), for example, moved their EHR systems to the cloud to give healthcare professionals the means to access patient data in real-time and ultimately improve the level of care provided.
Smart support for recovery: Microsoft’s pandemic response
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft provided essential support to the NHS by facilitating remote collaboration and ensuring continuity of care. Tools like Microsoft Teams enabled healthcare professionals to conduct virtual consultations, collaborate on patient care, and stay connected despite the physical restrictions.
This support was crucial in maintaining healthcare services and managing the surge in patient numbers during the pandemic. Tech-enabled remote monitoring is a trend that doesn’t look to be slowing down; between November 2020 to January 2023, over 487,000 people were able to benefit from digital home care.
Cancer detection and surgery risk assessment with Azure AI
Microsoft’s Azure AI is revolutionising cancer detection and surgery risk assessment within the NHS. Azure AI’s advanced machine learning algorithms can analyse medical images with high accuracy, aiding in early cancer detection and improving treatment outcomes.
Additionally, AI-driven risk assessment tools help surgeons evaluate the potential risks associated with surgical procedures, ensuring better patient safety and informed decision-making.
Proactive care and data platforms: enhancing patient outcomes
The use of integrated data platforms, such as the NHS Federated Data Platform, and cloud infrastructure is enabling proactive care within the NHS. By consolidating patient data from various sources, healthcare providers can identify at-risk patients and intervene early to prevent complications.
These data platforms support comprehensive care planning and real-time monitoring, leading to improved patient outcomes and more efficient resource utilisation.
HoloLens in the NHS: New perspectives on medical conditions
The application of Microsoft HoloLens in the NHS is offering new perspectives on medical conditions. HoloLens, an augmented reality device, allows healthcare professionals to visualise complex medical data and anatomical models in 3D. This technology is particularly useful in medical education, surgical planning, and patient consultations, enhancing understanding and improving clinical outcomes.
An innovation like this has already been put to use by London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, with surgeons using HoloLens to study the underlying anatomy of a cancer patient without having to make an incision.
Efficiency apps and power apps: Improving productivity and wellbeing
Microsoft’s suite of efficiency apps and Power Apps is improving productivity and wellbeing within the NHS. These applications enable healthcare providers to automate routine tasks, streamline workflows, and reduce administrative burdens. For example, custom Power Apps can manage patient information, track inventory, and coordinate staff schedules, ensuring that healthcare professionals can focus more on patient care and less on administrative tasks.
These Power Apps can be deployed for front-line care, such as paramedics who need to assess a patient’s condition after suffering a stroke and referring them to the right specialist unit.
Low code tools for NHS Trusts: Enhancing staff onboarding and outpatient care
NHS Trusts are utilising AI-infused low code tools from the Power Platform to enhance various aspects of healthcare delivery. These tools simplify the development of custom applications that can improve staff onboarding processes and outpatient care. For instance, automated onboarding systems ensure that new staff are quickly integrated into the organisation, while outpatient management apps streamline appointment scheduling and follow-ups.
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, for example, has already deployed these low code solutions to improve overall clinical care and give patients the care they deserve when needed.
Virtual wards and accessible healthcare: The future of patient care
The concept of virtual wards is gaining traction within the NHS, providing more accessible healthcare to patients. Virtual wards use digital technologies to monitor patients remotely, allowing them to receive care in the comfort of their homes. This approach reduces hospital admissions, lowers healthcare costs, and improves patient satisfaction.
A partnership between Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group saw the establishment of a remote monitoring hub and subsequently a 40% reduction in the usage of care services. By leveraging technologies like Microsoft Teams and Azure, the NHS can implement virtual wards effectively, ensuring continuous and comprehensive care for patients.
Embracing the future of digital healthcare
The digital transformation of the NHS, driven by advanced technologies like Microsoft Teams Phone, Azure, and the Power Platform, is revolutionising healthcare delivery. These innovations are not only enhancing voice communication but are also empowering patients, improving operational efficiency, and supporting proactive care.
As the NHS continues to embrace these digital tools, it is poised to provide higher quality, more accessible, and sustainable healthcare services. The future of healthcare is digital, and with continued innovation and collaboration, the NHS can lead the way in delivering world-class patient care.