Technology role in tackling the backlog

Digitisation of processes is common outside of healthcare, which has been slow to catch up, and suffers worrying variation in digital capability. Healthcare providers have a right to expect more from our technology suppliers, especially in light of new, ambitious targets being set by the Government. Recently, these targets have centred around the implementation and proper utilisation of electronic patient records (EPR)

A correctly implemented EPR benefits clinicians by making them more efficient, their workflows more streamlined, and their visibility of their patients clearer. For me, a basic expectation is that clinical decision support (CDS) is also embedded into the EPR. By having this critical clinical information in the system, the right decisions can be made for the right patient at the right time. 

However, it is not enough to stop there. From my experience working as a doctor for many years and from my time in industry, I know that clinicians are hungry for technology to do more for them, especially as they face big challenges like the elective waiting lists. Properly implemented, intelligent CDS is one way of satisfying these needs and tackling these challenges, giving EPR a very important role in tackling the backlog