digital technology

How is this shaping health and social care?

Source: The King’s Fund

This report, commissioned by the Health Foundation, provides a summary of evidence for how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, smartphones, wearable devices and the internet of things are being used within care settings around the world.

The authors analyse the available evidence around the use of these technologies to support leaders in health and care to engage in long-term thinking about the role of digital technology. The report looks back at recent developments in digital technology in the health and care system before the Covid-19 pandemic, supplemented by the Fund’s evidence-gathering on how digital technologies have been used during the pandemic, in England in particular. It also considers a set of potential futures to distil factors driving change and what this means for leaders now.

Digital inclusion and older people

How have things changed in a Covid world?

Source: The King’s Fund Health and Wellbeing Bulletin

This briefing paper looks at the impact the pandemic has had on internet use among people aged 52+ in England. It considers what needs to be done to ensure that everyone who can benefit from digital technology does so while taking care to make sure that those who find it difficult to access or use digital technology are not left behind.

For more information click here.

Delivering Core NHS Services

Government response to the Committee’s second report of session 2019–21

Source: The King’s Fund; Health Management and Policy Alert

This report finds that the Covid-19 response has greatly accelerated the use of digital technology, has mainstreamed remote consultations, and similar effects are being seen for remote monitoring. There has been greater flexibility and resilience in the workforce, as well as improved decision-making and access to information through the better use of data and simplified information governance guidance. It concludes that these changes should be embedded and extended to support the health and care system’s recovery from the pandemic and ongoing resilience.

Digital technology and health inequalities

A scoping review

Source: King’s Fund Digital Health Digest

This report, published jointly by Public Health Wales and The King’s Fund, explores how a lack of access, skills and motivation for using digital technologies could contribute to inequalities in health and other outcomes. It considers approaches to reduce the widening differences between groups.

Technology and innovation for long term health conditions

Independent Report commissioned by the Academic Health Science Network

The case studies highlighted in the report illustrate how digital technology may have the potential to transform care, build stronger relationships and work effectively as a team in order to support patients.

The paper also makes us question the changes of online services due to COVID-19, encouraging us to discuss the impact of these changes and whether services could be redesigned for the better.

To read the full report click here.