Experts share 2021 digital health predictions

"With millions back in stringent lockdowns due to the new rampant coronavirus variant, and the roll-out of a monumental global vaccination programme - it's likely that 2021 will be another seismic year for digital health. Healthcare IT News speaks to health leaders about their predictions for the uncertain 12 months ahead. We hear about the impact it will have on NHS primary care, the increase of mental health virtual care and the growing concerns over health data security.

Dr Minal Bakhai, a GP and NHS England and NHS Improvement’s national clinical director for Digital First Primary Care Programme

“General Practice is rising to one of the greatest challenges the NHS has ever faced. Building on the huge strides we have made in digital access, total triage and remote consultations, 2021 holds exciting opportunities to help us deliver more flexible, co-ordinated, personalised care. With two million online consultation requests a month, over 90% of practices enabled with online-consultations and 99% of practices with video-consultations, this is only the start of our journey.

“Key to success in 2021 will be taking the time to optimise the changes we’ve implemented and reduce variation in digital readiness, capability and infrastructure across our systems. Where we get it right, using digital tools to augment face-to-face consultations can improve patient experience, reduce inequalities and prioritise care for those most in need, importantly providing benefit to all our patients, not just digital users..." Lire la suite