Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 50
50
Acknowledged
Reducing bureaucracy and administrative tasks improves frontline workers' mental health and headspace.
Recommendation
In this context, it is important that the Government looks at ways of improving short term efficiency to promote positive mental health and headspace for all frontline workers. It could do this through looking at ways to reduce bureaucracy—perhaps through the use of technology—and reducing the time that frontline workers spend on administrative tasks. This could be achieved through reinstating administrative support staff and by investing in adequate ICT infrastructure. The cumulative effect of these measures would be to help give clinicians and frontline workers the capacity for headspace. (Paragraph 176) Retention in Social Care
Government Response Summary
The government is keen to explore all avenues to improve frontline efficiency, referring to the NHS Long Term Plan's commitment to technology and the 'What Good Looks Like' framework and 'digital playbooks', as well as the Framework for Action to support NHS staff wellbeing.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We are keen to explore all avenues to improve frontline efficiency. The NHS Long Term Plan is committed to making greater use of technology, for example, giving patients more control over their own care and freeing up staff time. The Digital Health Partnerships programme supports providers to make better use of digital technologies to improve productivity. We are clear that digital transformation needs to be implemented in a way that streamlines processes and reduces the administrative burden on staff. To support this, the department has launched the ‘What Good Looks Like’ framework and a series of ‘digital playbooks’ to help NHS organisations implement digital transformation effectively. The Framework for Action to support NHS staff wellbeing will help create practical interventions that make a difference to staff at every level, as well as embedding staff wellbeing as a key priority. This includes reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, promoting flexible working, and providing access to occupational health services.