Over recent years, digital transformation has accelerated across the NHS, underlying the importance of every trust having a strong understanding of the topic. This guide is designed to help boards build on this momentum. The five standalone chapters cover:
- The definition of digital
- Why digital transformation matters
- Pre-conditions for success
- Factors that help or hinder digital delivery
- Lessons from other sectors
We have suggested a short list of questions that board members - both executives and non-executives - may find helpful as a check on progress. The answers should help prompt board level discussions about areas for improvement or celebration.
- Does the trust have a shared understanding of what digital means that goes beyond IT?
- Can you explain which areas you chose not to focus on in your digital strategy, and how you made these decisions?
- Has the board experienced what users of the trust's digital services experience, rather than just read a description on paper?
- Does the trust's leadership take collective responsibility for the digital agenda, as it does for quality and finance?
- Is the board sufficiently technologically informed to hold digital leaders to account, especially on major contractual arrangements with suppliers?
- Does the board have the confidence and knowledge of digital working practices, processes and technologies to take a proportionate approach to digital risks and opportunities?
- Does the trust have a shared commitment and vision for digitally enabled health and care across its integrated care system (ICS)?
- Is the trust taking opportunities to copy and adapt learning and work from other trusts, the centre (NHS England) and other industries?
- Are teams in the trust empowered to experiment with new ways of working, and is the organisation well placed to scale up innovation when it succeeds?