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The evolution of technology in general practice has been accelerated over the last 12 months but how ready were we, and are we, for further digital transformation? What are the factors that influence our willingness to embrace new ways of working and what are the barriers to progression? This was the focus of GP and Digital Fellow Dr Matt Hammerton’s recent report on digital readiness within his local integrated health partnership, a report conducted in conjunction with Wessex Academic Health Science Network (AHSN), with the support of WAHSN’s Associate Director Rachel Dominey. This week’s podcast offers a fascinating overview of the report’s findings and outcomes and includes practical advice and recommendations on readying practices and networks for the next stage of the digital journey.

Introductions (0:45)

The reasons for undertaking the study (0:57)

The reality of the tech available versus what is being used (1:42)

Defining digital readiness (2:08)

Which areas of general practice does the report cover? (3:06)

Rachel describes her role at the AHSN (3:34)

How did the study work in practice? (5:03)

Recording the acceleration of tech use during the pandemic (5:45)

The difference in results, pre and post Covid-19 (6:48)

Does digital readiness depend on the tech we are using? (7:17)

Is the ability to embrace new technology more important than how the tech itself works? (8:33)

The AccuRx effect (9:17)

Does a more bespoke technology increase our willingness to use it? (9:57)

Other key factors impacting digital readiness (12:53)

Some recommendations (14:06)

The non-clinical profile (16:00)

Patient age impact and influence (16:38)

The risk of practices and networks falling behind (17:28)

Further outcomes, recommendations, and advice (18:33)

Taking forward the recommendations from the AHSN’s perspective (19:58)

The link to the digital readiness report is here