NHS: IT benefits not being realised

Technology offers huge potential benefits for the NHS, but there is little evidence they are being realised, according to a leading think-tank.

There are either problems with the way technology is being used, or the evaluation processes in place are inadequate, says a study by the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR).

'We were surprised by the disparity between the obvious potential benefits of using IT and the paucity of evidence that these benefits are being delivered in practice,' says the report.

The IPPR warns of serious consequences if success is not clearly demonstrated.

'First it would amount to an inability to justify the spending of several billion pounds on IT for the NHS. Second there would likely be an effect on the use of IT across the public sector,' it says.

'Government IT projects have an unenviable reputation for failure and if the National Programme for NHS IT is not seen to be successful that perception is likely to be reinforced.'

While noting recent improvements, the report remarks on the lack of involvement of clinical staff in the early development of the National Programme.

'It still remains to be seen whether involvement of professionals has happened early and comprehensively enough to deliver systems that will be welcomed and will prove useful to those on the front line,' it says.

Producing convincing evidence of the benefits of healthcare IT is crucial, says the report.

'Until now greater use of IT has often been seen as a good in itself as part of the process of modernisation.This is unlikely to be the case in the future and appropriate use of IT will have to be argued for and supported with evidence that spending on IT will deliver benefits,' it says.

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