A place for print in the digital age
The enormous task of digitising the NHS is in full swing, but many service users, particularly the elderly, may have reservations about this. The recent, widely reported ransomware cyber attacks are unlikely to have instilled confidence in the move. A system incorporating the efficiencies of technology complemented by the reassurance of paper records could be the answer, suggests Derek Way, managing director at mini printer specialist Able Systems.
The digitisation of the NHS was an inevitable step, and there are incontestable benefits to the move. Healthcare professionals can share electronic information about patients quickly and easily, enabling them to receive the most effective treatment in the fastest time.
Furthermore, information can more easily be aggregated and analysed, providing a national picture on the country’s health. Data could provide insights into the prevalence of conditions within specific demographics, evaluate different treatment paths and allow more effective central performance management of each trust.
Taking booking systems online also facilitates the streamlining of services, and automated reminders can be incorporated to avoid missed appointments – one of the biggest drains on the health service.
Whilst all of these measures point to increased efficiencies and other cost savings, there is no doubt that many might have reservations about the development. The high-profile ransom ware hacking of the NHS did not compromise any sensitive data, but the disruption caused was considerable nonetheless. It resulted in treatment and appointment delays during a time when the service is already under-resourced and overstretched.
The fundamental patient requirement, however it is delivered, is the best care possible. Few could fail to see how a digital system supports this aim. Gone are the days of your GP straining to interpret the illegible scrawl of previous colleagues on old-style paper notes, or worse; not having access to them at all.
With an electronic system, a patient’s NHS experience can be streamlined to ensure the information available to them is the same, whether attending a doctor’s appointment or seeing a specialist at the hospital.
However, it would be remiss to disregard concerns over a fully digital system. Whilst cyber attacks are not a common occurrence, other problems such as software errors, internet connectivity issues or a power cut could all have a significant impact on patient care. Thought must therefore be given to how to mitigate these potential stressors, particularly as the service is looking to extend the digitisation rollout to more customer-facing services. One such example is the plan to move from paper prescriptions to an e-prescription service.
The system would cut down paper usage, and speed up the preparation of prescriptions, as they would be sent directly from the GP through to the pharmacy.
However, if patients are reticent about the security and accuracy of digital systems, it could slow down the uptake of the e-prescription service, reducing the associated efficiencies experienced. Uptake by the older generation, almost certainly the group that has most demand for prescriptions, and those who are less tech savvy may be limited unless concerns are addressed.
Some GP practices are taking the initiative to reduce patient concerns by installing mini printers that integrate into the new e-prescription service.
This enables the provision of a printed copy of the order, giving comfort that the correct medication has been ordered for pick up at the correct pharmacy.
This approach is mirrored in other areas of the NHS, with everything from healthcare to the emergency services looking to streamline their processes digitally while being able to provide hard copy print outs of key information to certain users.
With costs to the service mounting up, and more pressure than ever to slash operating costs, digitalisation is coming whether patients like it or not. Combining electronic processes with low-cost, highly efficient healthcare printing options will enable trusts to tick all the boxes whilst still maintaining the highest levels of customer care and satisfaction.
For more information about the healthcare printing solutions available from Able Systems, please visit www.able-systems.com.