New research from YouGov, commissioned by NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS) has found that 28 per cent of NHS staff are spending more than 10 hours a week on admin.
92 per cent say they spend time each week dealing with inefficient of duplicated processes and IT system issues.
NHS SBS says that the time NHS staff spend on administrative tasks alone is equivalent to around 220,000 full-time staff roles and points out that more joined-up operational systems could lead to productivity gains.
Among those who spend time on admin, inefficient processes or IT issues, 87 per cent said it had at least one negative impact on them or their work and 51 per cent said it increased stress or burnout.
The research also looked at what could help solve these problems. 67 per cent of those surveyed mentioned more joined-up operational systems and processes across NHS teams and organisations and 56 per cent said standardisation of processes and systems across NHS services would make a difference. Another 45 per cent reported more reliable operational systems, and 26 per cent greater automation of routine administrative tasks.
The research asked respondents what they would most want to do with time given back by better systems, 29 per cent said they would spend it on their core role or professional responsibilities, 22 per cent said they would spend it with patients or service users, and 16 per cent said they would use it to improve services or reduce backlogs.
Erika Bannerman, Managing Director of NHS Shared Business Services, said: “This research puts numbers on something many NHS staff experience every day. Dedicated people across the NHS are spending a significant amount of their precious time navigating administrative burdens, duplicated processes and system issues when that time could be focused on patients, services and outcomes.”
“Improving productivity is not about staff needing to do more. It is about creating the right support, systems and tools that allow them to do their jobs more effectively. When operational systems are reliable, joined up and easier to use, it can reduce unnecessary pressure on staff, make decision making easier and help release valuable time back into patient care.”
“At a time of significant reform and investment, we have an opportunity to ensure every pound spent delivers greater value for patients, staff and taxpayers. Strengthening the foundations will help build a more productive, sustainable NHS for the future.”
Richard Stubbs, Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and Expert Advisor to the Health Foundation Productivity Commission, said: “These findings put numbers to something NHS staff have known for a long time – too much of their week is spent working around systems rather than delivering care. The encouraging part is what staff say would help. They are not asking for more technology for its own sake, but for joined-up, reliable systems that work together across the NHS.
“Reliable, joined-up operational systems are not about taking control away from local leaders. Done well, they create the headroom for leaders and teams to focus on what matters most: the people they serve. If the NHS is to make reform and digital investment stick, we need to see operational infrastructure as part of the transformation itself. Shared platforms, common standards and better processes can help release time, support staff and make improvement easier to sustain.”
