WPI has produced a new report, commissioned by VMware, which argues that technology can play a central role in improving the mental health of NHS staff.

The new report, called ‘Caring for the NHS Workforce: the critical role of technology in supporting wellbeing amongst NHS staff’ argues for strong digital foundations to transform NHS care. The report reveals:

1. In 2019, more than 10 million working days were lost to mental ill health in the NHS across the UK

2. That is the equivalent to half of all NHS staff – 700,000 people – being quarantined for 14 days, or every worker taking on average 7 days off work a year

3. Strong digital foundations in every hospital – allowing access to the right information on any patient, on any device, at any time – could play a role in improving the mental wellbeing of the NHS workforce, reducing technology-related stress

4. The report therefore proposes a three-pronged approach to this much-needed digital transformation: expertise, money and accountability. View the report’s recommendations in full at the link below

The report has been welcomed by Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock MP:

“This interesting research shows just how important good technology is to free up staff time to do more of what people came into healthcare to do: looking after others. That is where technology can play a role. If you work in the NHS, in any part of the service, too often old, out-of-date 20th century IT systems get in the way of your ability to do your job. It is simply not acceptable that our dedicated healthcare staff are spending their time logging in to multiple devices during the day, rather than caring for patients.

“We need to ensure every hospital in the country has the tools, confidence and understanding they need to update their IT systems. Every CEO needs to be comfortable and competent in leading digital transformation. Every board needs to know what questions to ask and how to hold their CEO to account. Every medical director and chief nurse needs to know how technology is going to transform what their teams do. By working together we can relieve the burden on our clinicians and help improve their wellbeing.”

The executive summary can be viewed here

The full report can be viewed here