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Technology branded as "Patient Power 2.0" by Jeremy Hunt
Jeremy Hunt calls for the NHS to move away from a system-centric approach and become a patient-led, transparent, safer NHS
Yesterday, Jeremy Hunt set out his vision for a patient-led, transparent and safer NHS.
He covered an extensive number of issues in his speech, but technology was a particular focus; branding patient empowerment through the use of technology and science as Patient Power 2.0 (after intelligent transparency - Patient Power 1.0), he called for the need to embed technology evenly across the system.
myNHS and patients access to the summary medical record are highlighted as key achievements in helping patients take control of their own health. He also cited examples such as the seamless interoperability of electronic health records across care settings and the ability to decode individual genomes as drivers of change within the next five years.
In order for patients to be willing and able to harness the technology available, he announced that Baroness Lane-Fox will to develop practical proposals before the end of the year on how the National Information Board can increase take-up of new digital innovations in health by those who will benefit from them the most.
Other key announcements included:
•Driving forward Intelligent Transparency - dubbed by Hunt as Patient Power 1.0, there will be a drive towards more openness about clinical outcomes and failures to improve service delivery. Honest conversations with the public about becoming more responsible for their own health will be encouraged
•Developing Intelligence Buddying Programme - twinning NHS Trusts with hospitals across the globe to strengthen a culture of continuous improvement and to learn lessons from international colleagues
•Establishing NHS Improvement - the new jointly led body for Monitor and TDA. Ed Smith, NHS England's Vice Chair will be the new Chair, supported by Ara Darzi as a new non-executive director. The recruitment process for the new Chief Executive will start immediately (which suggests that the existing management team of both organisations will not have senior roles at NHS Improvement).
Natalie Bateman, Head of Health, Social Care and Local Government responded by saying:
"Jeremy Hunt is right to cite the value of technology and data in delivering safe, effective and human-centred care to patients. Making electronic health records available seamlessly in every care setting is the bedrock to delivering "Patient Power 2.0", however current interoperability standards cannot meet these needs. That's why, this week, we launched our Interoperability Charter to ensure information systems are more open and easier to integrate, to enable the free-flow of patient information between products, and across the care continuum.
The news of Baroness Lane-Fox's involvement in the delivery of NIB's proposals is welcomed. She is a well-respected figure within the technology industry and will no doubt offer practical solutions to addressing the challenges with digital inclusion that will enable the efficient implementation of Personalised Health and Care 2020."
