8 Ways Tech Can Help NHS Staff
The 2024 NHS staff survey results were published earlier this month. There are several areas where digital and tech solutions could significantly improve the working lives of NHS staff.
While the survey shows some positive trends, there remain critical challenges to address. Good leadership, a healthy workplace culture, and thoughtful technological innovation together create an opportunity to transform both patient outcomes and staff wellbeing across the NHS.
1. Intelligent Staffing and Rota Management Systems
2024 NHS Staff Survey Finding: Only 34% of staff believe there are enough staff to do their jobs properly
AI-powered workforce planning and rota management systems can optimise staffing levels based on predicted patient demand, staff skills, and historical data
2. Digital Learning and Career Development Platforms
2024 NHS Staff Survey Finding: Only 54.63% believe there are opportunities to develop their career
Personalised digital learning platforms with micro-credentialing capabilities can provide staff with accessible, on-demand professional development
3. Integrated Wellbeing Ecosystem
2024 NHS Staff Survey Finding: 41.63% felt unwell due to work-related stress, and many staff report burnout indicators
A comprehensive hybrid digital and in-person wellbeing ecosystem that goes beyond basic wellness apps to create an integrated approach to staff wellness
4. Digital Wellness and Mental Health Support
2024 NHS Staff Survey Finding: Work-related stress remains high, with 55.77% of staff coming to work despite not feeling well enough.
Digital wellness apps tailored for healthcare staff can provide confidential access to mental health resources, alongside priority access to clinicians as needed
5. Equipment and Resource Management Platforms
2024 NHS Staff Survey Finding: 58.08% have adequate materials and equipment to do their job
Digital tracking systems and asset management platforms can improve equipment availability and reduce time wasted searching for necessary tools
6. Remote Monitoring to Reduce Workload Pressure
2024 NHS Staff Survey Finding: Staff report high work pressure, with only 27.01% saying they rarely or never have unrealistic time pressures
Remote monitoring systems can help prioritise patient needs and distribute workload more effectively
7. Streamlined Patient Communication Systems
2024 NHS Staff Survey Finding: Only 47.26% of staff feel able to meet all the conflicting demands on their time at work
Digital patient communication platforms can reduce administrative burden and help staff manage competing priorities
8. Home Healthcare Delivery Systems
2024 NHS Staff Survey Finding: Flexible working scores are improving (6.31) but still show room for growth
Systems that enable care delivery outside traditional settings can create more flexible working options for staff
How Digital Healthcare Council Members Can Help
The NHS Staff Survey 2024 highlights both improvements and ongoing challenges in the working lives of healthcare staff.
Digital Healthcare Council members including HBSUK Lilli TeleTracking UK Livi UK Preventx HealthNet Homecare (UK) Ltd and Holly Health are very well placed to support the NHS in addressing these challenges. Their combined expertise spans remote monitoring, digital diagnostics, virtual care delivery, capacity and flow management, and digital wellness – all critical technologies for improving staff experience.
The Digital Healthcare Council and its members remain committed to collaborating with the NHS to develop and implement technologies that address real workforce needs, helping to create a more sustainable and satisfying working environment for all NHS staff.