Apps to support remote working in North West
North Mersey HIS announces launch of mobile apps to drive shift to community-based services
A range of mobile apps is being introduced to enable NHS staff in the North West of England to operate remotely.
North Mersey Health Informatics Service (HIS) is introducing new ‘agile working practices’ driven by apps that will be viewable on a range of mobile devices including tablets and smartphones.
Using a remote system, which is also fully integrated with back office systems, will allow clinicians to view and update patient records automatically at the point of delivery, as well as obtain the latest medical advice and protocols.
We are passionate about utilising new technology to improve the quality of care delivered, empower patients and deliver efficient services, which will be ever more important as we look towards growing future demand
Stephen Appleton, clinical informatics lead for the quality, innovation, productivity and prevention (QIPP) ICT programme at North Mersey HIS, said of the move: “The benefits of disconnected working, or agile working, are immense. More flexibility and efficient working practices, increased time with patients, and reduced travel times will increase the quality of healthcare provided and will all repay the investment in developing service-specific apps.”
A recent Department of Health pilot report found a 20% reduction in the need for hospital admissions where mobile working practices are used. It also noted average savings of more than £3,000 per clinician. But Appleton believes the North Mersey HIS solution is far more reliable for community clinicians and could mean significantly greater savings are possible.
The apps will be deployed in conjunction with software company, NDL.
Bernie Cuthel, chief executive of Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust, where the project will be first implemented, said: “We are passionate about utilising new technology to improve the quality of care delivered, empower patients and deliver efficient services, which will be ever more important as we look towards growing future demand.
More flexibility and efficient working practices, increased time with patients, and reduced travel times will increase the quality of healthcare provided and will all repay the investment in developing service-specific apps
“It is not an overstatement to say that this mobile apps programme will revolutionise the way in which community-based clinicians access and update information on the move, and we are excited to be the first trust in our health community to work with the North Mersey HIS on this programme”
And Mark Bostock, director of the 300-strong North Mersey HIS, added: “We believe that the benefits of our work will not be restricted to our core regions of Merseyside and West Cheshire. It is perfectly feasible and desirable that health providers and public and private sector organisations outside the area will benefit from our work.”