The health service’s digital transformation journey is set for a boost following the publication of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Healthcare Technologies Capability framework.
The resource has been released by Health Education England (HEE) and looks to identify knowledge gaps amongst NHS staff whilst also setting out the path ahead for digital enablement in the healthcare workforce.
Commissioned by HEE, the research completed in conjunction with this project was done by The University of Manchester, which sought to evaluate what health professionals needed to develop their skills as the digital future of the NHS looms over the horizon.
HEE’s National Clinical Lead for AI and Digital Medical Workforce, Dr Hatim Abdulhussein, said: “Skills and capability building is essential to support the digital transformation in the NHS, and it is imperative that health and care professionals have the appropriate capabilities to deliver safe, ethical and augmented patient care.
“This framework will be enabler for both individuals wanting to assess their individual needs and digital aspirations, and for those providing education to guide an appropriate educational approach and content.”
The framework also looks to build on recommendations made as part of the Topol Review that investigated the technological requirements for the NHS to cement itself as a word-leader in healthcare’s digital transformation journey.
HEE say that fully harnessing the power of AI and other modern technologies can not only benefit staff by cutting administrative workload, but it can also improve patient outcomes with the associated enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
The University of Manchester’s Director of Digital Transformation in Healthcare Education, Professor Ang Davies, added: “We’re delighted to have partnered with HEE to develop the Digital Health Technology Capability Framework. Successfully embedding it into future undergraduate and workplace training will be critical to its adoption and utility as a learning needs tool.”
To access the framework and the full report, click here.
