The Technologies That Can Improve Healthcare Efficiencies

Since the launch of the NHS Long Term Plan, digitalisation has been a key focus of the healthcare industry to improve services and efficiencies. As technology continues to develop and improve care services and patient satisfaction, the adoption and advantages of new technology become increasingly apparent.

We investigate the main technologies the healthcare sector uses and the efficiencies they create.

E-rostering

Rosters ensure the correct number of health employees with the right skills are scheduled to work to meet the needs of health services and patients. 

Known as e-rostering, the digitalisation of this process gives healthcare organisations and departments the ability to build rosters quickly, efficiently and dynamically to improve productivity and reduce costs.

As outlined by the NHS, there are several significant benefits e-rostering can bring for healthcare organisations:

• Accurate details of staffing levels, allowing for the deployment of available resources to meet patient needs
• Effective management of staff to reduce under and over staffing, as well as reducing the need to rely on temporary or agency staff
• Reduction in unused hours
• Supporting staffing with the correct skill mix, reducing risk and improving patient experience
• Enables agility and flexibility

To find out more about why greater visibility and flexibility will be transformative for healthcare industry, read our e-rostering whitepaper here.

Lord Carter’s reports recommend all NHS provider organisations use an e-rostering system to enable greater operational productivity. If healthcare organisations choose to adopt this approach, not only will it save them time, money and create efficiencies, but it will also ensure they meet the requirements of the NHS Long Term Plan.

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Aiming to reduce costs and automate repetitive tasks, robotic process automation (RPA) is fast becoming a technology with many benefits for the healthcare industry.

RPA is an automation technology that uses software to replicate administrative tasks of human workers, such as extracting data, completing forms and storing files. This takes some pressure off healthcare employees by automating small tasks that can take up a lot of time, creating efficiencies and allowing them to focus on more critical tasks.

According to IBM, RPA can be used to complete the following tasks:

• Digitise documents
• Manage and schedule appointments
• Billing and processing
• Records management
• Infection control
• Customer service and remote care

Although many of the above benefits are transformational for healthcare providers, the list is not exhaustive. RPA creates time efficiencies and minimises costs by reducing the need for human workers and performing tasks quicker, so they can focus on patients.

Time-saving Processes

One of the critical challenges health organisations face is a lack of time. As services become more stretched, health leaders must look into how digitalisation can automate processes and save time.

Remote Patient Monitoring

As the need for greater access to care increases, in part accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote patient monitoring is increasingly becoming the norm for health organisations. This technology provides numerous benefits for the healthcare sector and is likely to become a mainstay in the future.

Not only does remote patient monitoring increase patient satisfaction by making care more accessible, but there are also many ways to improve efficiencies for healthcare organisations.

Remote patient monitoring digitalises managing healthcare conditions between physicians and patients. This creates cost savings by reducing time and the need for human resources and allowing healthcare organisations to collect valuable data to improve their overall caregiving abilities.

Virtual Triage

Virtual triage is another valuable technology healthcare facilities are adopting to increase efficiencies and reduce costs.

Virtual triage works by asking patients questions to assess the level and type of care they need. This can be done before the patient attends a healthcare setting, directing them to the right department or offering them the correct advice without attending in person.

How to Find and Implement These Technologies

Once you have identified the gaps and how technology can improve operations, it is time to start implementing them. Working with established healthcare partners will help to make this process smoother and more efficient.

Do your due diligence, speak to other departments or organisations and find a provider that works for you. Attending digital health events and shows will enable you to meet health innovation suppliers and experience some of the solutions in real life.

Getting Support From Partner Organisations

Relying on partner organisations for support is crucial to ensure organisations get the most out of digital innovation for their departments.

Industry bodies such as NHSX and NHS Digital are dedicated to helping Trusts through the process of digital improvement, implementation and innovation, ensuring they have the right technologies in place and the digital leaders to drive the change.

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