OVERVIEW

Today's NHS is facing unprecedented times, as it undergoes a major transformation in how healthcare is delivered. Its overarching motivation is to improve the quality and standards of care, plus give patients more choice and control. However, in difficult economic times, and with a £20bn savings target, efficient and cost-effective services are crucial.

The Coalition Government is keen to exploit digital service delivery across all its sectors, and the NHS is not immune to this vision. A digitally enabled NHS will challenge the traditional methods of how it operates, but at the same time there will be significant benefits: improved patient experience, supported clinical interactions and enhanced administrative processes.

The 'Digital First' initiative launched by Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, aims to move to digital systems; systems that are more convenient and flexible, whilst lowering costs and maintaining standards. The government is supporting the initiative with funding for digital technologies, To this end, announced on the 17th May was a £260m match funded investment designed to kick-start these initiatives, entitled 'The Technology Fund'. These technologies will be instrumental in reducing unnecessary face to face contact, freeing up invaluable time for those who really need personal consultations – 90% of NHS interactions are face to face and a reduction of 1% could save up to £200m. This is supplemented by an Intellect report on industry collaboration and a review on appropriate levels of patient, data security and information sharing.

The move to digital will also improve information sharing and therefore collaboration between health and social care providers, and will allow more self-management of health and wellbeing through online platforms. Future plans include a commitment to a paperless NHS by 2018, with crucial information instantly available to staff. And by 2015, patients will have access their medical records online and will be able to book appointments online at times that suit them via the 'Choose and Book' system. There will also be opportunity for patients to leave online feedback on care received, which will be instrumental in improving services and allowing patients to make informed decisions.

Telecare, telehealth and telemedicine have made significant impacts in providing remote services, whilst not compromising quality, and further innovations are on the horizon. Other than digital pens, technologies, such as digital dictation and voice recognition software, will revolutionise note taking, letters and reports, reducing transcription costs. Mobile working, online meetings, automatic identification and data capture, advanced mail and messaging systems are all examples of the plethora of tools available to improve ways of working within the NHS and saving taxpayers' money.

At Digital NHS – Delivering 21st Century Healthcare we will explore how moving the NHS into a digital era can impact on the provision of cost-effective services. Expert speakers and panellists will discuss the possible benefits, whilst considering the risks to highly sensitive information. Case studies will share best practice initiatives, allowing delegates to assess how digital services may enhance both their professional roles and patient experience.