Healthy systems, healthy patients: Curing inefficiencies in UK healthcare

The healthcare sector across the UK is fuelled by dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to care for patients' well-being. From general practitioners to specialists in the National Healthcare Service (NHS) and private providers, their commitment is truly admirable.

However, like any large and complex industry, inefficiencies can creep into operations over time. Standardising core administrative and clinical processes, engaging diverse stakeholders, overcoming cultural barriers, and navigating resource constraints are just some of the ongoing challenges. In this article, we will explore these challenges within the UK healthcare sector and, through real-life examples, present solutions that can help these healthcare services and organisations drive efficiency and improve patient care.

Standardising core processes

Lack of uniformity in standard operating procedures between different organisations and departments has led to fragmentation. Variations in clinical and management workflows can potentially create silos between groups who should be collaborating. This makes it difficult to benchmark performance, share scarce resources efficiently, and ensure high service quality consistently.

Embracing digital tools could help address this by enabling consistent digitised processes to be implemented nationwide. When different departments or even different healthcare providers use standardised terminology, clinical pathways, and administrative systems, it paves the way for seamless interoperability, collaboration, and care coordination.

Aligning a multitude of stakeholders

The world of healthcare involves more than just clinicians—it includes policymakers, taxpayers, private partners, regulators, and, most importantly, patients. Coordinating this diverse array of internal and external stakeholders is a formidable task, to say the least.

Medical professionals and support staff need to stay informed about changes happening within their organisations. New systems and care models need to integrate smoothly into busy clinical and operational workflows. Clear and efficient two-way communication channels with external groups are crucial. By aligning all stakeholders, we can create a healthcare ecosystem that thrives on collaboration and shared goals.

Overcoming cultural inertia

Understandably, the healthcare culture emphasises stability and mitigating risks to patients above all else. However, this aversion to disrupting existing ways of working can potentially prevent new efficiencies from being realised. Demonstrating clear and measurable benefits that free up more time with patients or reduce repetition is key to gaining acceptance. Comprehensive training on change management can also help smooth the transition to a more efficient healthcare system.

Demonstrating tangible value

With constrained public funding and workforce shortages, it is important to prioritise initiatives that offer high-impact returns. Digital tools proven to boost productivity through reduced errors and minimised wasted time or paperwork make a strong business case while easing budget pressures. To continually assess progress and refine support levels, data-driven metrics are essential. By focusing on initiatives with tangible value, we can drive transformative change while maximising resources.

A case study in transformation

One of our long-term clients, a leading provider of public healthcare workforce solutions to NHS trusts across the UK, recognised the need for improved customer experience and streamlined internal workflows.

Manual administrative tasks and inefficient, dispersed systems were consuming valuable time, hindering their sales teams' ability to engage effectively with NHS trusts. The reliance on spreadsheets, emails, and disconnected legacy tech made it challenging to provide a streamlined experience to customers and employees. As did lack of clear visibility into business performance due to the time and effort required to gather information.

To address these obstacles, they engaged Credera to implement Salesforce as the new strategic platform, with the goal of maximising efficiency and driving sales growth. We crafted a comprehensive solution leveraging Salesforce clouds such as Sales Cloud, as well as integration with partner apps. A cross-functional team was assembled to ensure smooth delivery.

The results have been promising. By automating administrative tasks, the Salesforce implementation has increased sales team productivity and allowed for more strategic customer engagement. Early signs also indicate expanded NHS trust reach, with the potential for substantial savings in public funding. Additionally, leadership now benefits from a single source of truth for real-time insights into business performance and consolidated views of key metrics. They expect significant cost reductions overall thanks to the new digitally enabled model.

Their success indicates immense potential for the entire UK healthcare sector when standardised, collaborative, and efficient operations are achieved through strategic digital transformation.

In conclusion

By addressing challenges through innovative yet sensible approaches, we can come together to drive change that will deliver real value and efficiency gains. With patients at the heart of decision-making and a steady focus on outcomes, technology can complement (but never replace) human expertise and compassion.

Need a guide for your transformation journey?

Credera is passionate about helping organisations foster cloud enablement that drives successful cloud adoption and valuable business outcomes. Our unique expertise in corporate strategy, innovation, and application development enables us to bring a holistic approach to your cloud adoption journey. To learn more, reach out to us today.

• Healthcare
• Digital Transformation
• Operational Efficiency