Report highlights role of digital technologies in health workforce

According to a report by Health Education England, digital technologies will play a vital role in helping the NHS workforce cope with demands on the system in the future.

Demand for the NHS and social care workforce will continue to grow over the next decade and by maximising digital technologies, the transformation of workforce planning and supply, education and training, clinical decision-making and delivery of personalised healthcare services will be enabled.

The report expands on the legacy of the Topol Review, chaired by digital leader, cardiologist, and geneticist Professor Eric Topol, and looks further into how to ensure the health and care workforce is digitally ready for the future.

The report examines how digital technology is being used to develop a continuous learning environment and enable new ways of working. It also looks at how improved technology can help to organise health and care services and deliver them more efficiently.

The report also reveals that the use of digital technology will enable the NHS to widen access and participation for healthcare training and education, as well as promote diversity and inclusion.

Patrick Mitchell, director of innovation, digital and transformation at Health Education England said: “This report highlights how HEE’s approach to using current and emerging innovative technologies in educating and training future and current health professionals and the development of strong digital capabilities will help to deliver quality and safe 21st century care.”

“A great deal has been achieved in a relatively short period of time and shows the immense benefits the use of digital technologies have in health and care services.”