Recommendation 28

We welcome the support of the Secretary of State and the Chief Executive of NHSE/I for technological innovation in the NHS. The use of technology and digital alternatives (“telemedicine”), although it has had a mixed response from some patients and medical practitioners, shows that the NHS is innovating. We also welcome the wider deployment of technology which has helped to improve productivity across the healthcare system. Although the use of technology has been much-needed and largely worked in supporting the delivery of health and care services, there is nevertheless a risk that many individuals in need of medical advice or treatment will be digitally excluded. Therefore, in order to ensure telemedicine benefits all patients equally, a clearer and more comprehensive assessment is required to ensure that technology does not replace key elements of health services (such as face-to- face consultations) or disadvantage other groups, and to also ensure the benefits of telemedicine can be maintained and built-upon. Parts of the NHS have also explored new options for the delivery of care, trialling new pathways for treatment. These hold real promise for future NHS productivity. It is vital that successful examples of innovation in models of service delivery during the pandemic are brought forward, alongside technological and digital innovation.

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