Slow uptake of technology in NHS "harming patient safety"

Technology can improve patient safety

MPs have warned that the slow uptake of key technologies across the NHS is hindering important improvements in patient safety.

The report by the House of Commons Health Committee said that while the “potency and complexity” of new technologies can introduce great potential for harm, it can also make a major contribution to patient safety.

But certain key developments are being implemented too slowly.

“The delay in introducing technologies proven to improve patient safety is extremely alarming,” said the committee.

The report identifies a number of IT-related initiatives that should be given greater focus.

A timetable should be set for introducing automated decision-support systems, which can help GPs in diagnosing problems, the committee recommends.

Automatic identification and data capture systems, such as better use of bar codes, can help to reduce errors. Initiatives at Charing Cross Hospital and Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust have proved the potential of this technology.

But despite central funding for Oxford’s blood transfusion barcoding project, intended to produce a national specification, a pilot scheme is only progressing slowly, with IT connectivity highlighted as one of the causes of problems.

And continued delays in electronic patient records, a key part of the £12.7bn NHS National Programme for IT, are also a “huge missed opportunity” to improve safety by improving communication of clinical data, says the report.

“Our report highlights many areas where urgent action is required, in some cases where it is a life or death situation, and we urge the government to ensure that everyone in the NHS realises that avoiding harm to patients must be their top priority," said Health Committee chairman Kevin Barron.