New report by WPI Strategy for Vodafone UK shows huge public support for new digital technology in the NHS
11.11.2020
There is strong public backing for investment in the latest digital technology in the NHS, according to a new report by WPI Strategy on behalf of Vodafone UK. Our report, “Better health, connected health: How 5G and IoT technology can transform health and social care” shows the potential for new digital technology to improve healthcare – and strong public support for investing in 5G for the NHS.
During the Covid-19 pandemic we have already seen the NHS effectively using technology to change its working practices to deal with the challenge of providing safe and effective care. But technology promises even more in the future – particularly with the roll-out of 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The possibilities unleashed by 5G and IoT touch almost every part of the healthcare system, from the visible (remote surgery, or drones carrying transplant organs and drugs between hospitals) to the unseen but vital (IoT-enabled hospital equipment management systems that use sensors to automatically monitor stock levels). Both NHS patients and staff stand to benefit from these technological innovations.
New polling in the report shows strong backing for the Government to increase the use of the latest digital technology in the NHS. The polling, carried out by Opinium, finds that 71% of the public believe it is important that the 40 new NHS hospitals promised in last year’s Conservative manifesto should be fully equipped with the latest digital technology, including 5G, with just 19% thinking it is unimportant.
The public also strongly backs the use in the NHS of a wide range of new applications of 5G and IoT (internet of things) technology, including 5G-connected ambulances which enable doctors to examine and diagnose emergency patients remotely before they arrive at a hospital (80% in favour), remote assisted surgery (61% in favour) and the use of drones (63% in favour).
In addition, a clear majority of the public (60%) believe that video consultations are more convenient than visiting a GP surgery or hospital in person, with just 20% disagreeing. A similar proportion (57%) say they would be comfortable having medical appointments via video even once the coronavirus pandemic is over, with just 26% disagreeing.
The report sets out some of the ways technology can change healthcare for the better, and describes what the hospital of the future could look like if fully equipped with 5G and IoT technology.
The full report can be read here.