If you’ve been following the news, it might seem like primary care is facing endless challenges—poor GP access, surgery closures, and lack of continuity in care are frequently highlighted. This can be demoralising for the dedicated staff on the front lines, but it’s important to note that primary care has delivered more appointments post-pandemic than ever before.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Primary Care
COVID-19 brought unprecedented changes to GP practices. Initially, surgeries were almost empty as people adhered to social distancing guidelines. This was the calm before the storm. As COVID-19 cases declined, the demand for GP services surged, with previously ignored or deprioritised conditions resurfacing. It feels like we're still managing this high demand.
Accelerating Digital Transformation: The Leading Role of Primary Care
Primary care had to adapt rapidly. The year 2020 saw the fastest adoption of digital technologies in primary care that I’ve witnessed in the last decade. Historically, primary care has been ahead of secondary care in digital transformation, with the first Electronic Patient Records (EPR) deployed in the early 1990s. Using pen and paper is now rare, much to the detriment of my handwriting!
However, like a marathon runner ahead of the pack, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. I’ve been involved in several GP digital transformation projects, and the sector is eager to embrace new technology but often unsure about the timing, methods, and leadership required.
Moving from analogue to digital shouldn’t be limited to secondary care. Primary care was a change leader three decades ago and can continue to lead the digital revolution. To do so, we need robust organisational principles to support surgeries.
Challenges in Implementing New Technology
Digital governance and clinical risk management might sound daunting, especially for innovators, but they are essential in a diverse sector like primary care. Each surgery is unique, which is why primary care delivers such great value. However, this diversity also creates challenges when implementing new technology.
As a Clinical Safety Officer, one of the most crucial aspects of our safety assessment is analysing how new technology will fit into and change existing clinical workflows. In West Yorkshire, where I work, there are about 300 surgeries from Leeds to Wakefield, Bradford to Kirklees. It’s impossible to predict how new software will impact every practice and what unforeseen patient risks might arise.
A Practical Approach to Clinical Risk Management
The model I advocate involves encouraging and supporting Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and Primary Care Networks (PCNs) to take responsibility for Clinical Risk Management assessments. This approach breaks down headline risks into manageable, bite-sized pieces for practices. It empowers them to consider the safety implications of their software and how their working practices may need to change, without overwhelming them with the burden of starting a DCB 0160 assessment, which they may not have the resources or knowledge to complete.
This approach places the onus on ICBs to ensure their digital clinical governance structures are robust enough to manage the unique challenges of digitalisation in primary care. From procurement to deployment and decommissioning, ICBs must have processes in place to manage the relationship between manufacturers and healthcare organisations. This includes incident monitoring and feedback, version monitoring, and change controls.
We understand that the clinical safety process doesn’t end once a new piece of technology is implemented. Systems change, new risks evolve, and ICBs should be there to support frontline GP services continuously, ensuring patient safety is maintained.
Looking Ahead: Embracing the Future of Digital Health
The digital transformation of primary care presents both significant challenges and opportunities. By focusing on strong organisational principles, implementing effective digital governance, and providing practical support for clinical risk management, primary care can continue to lead the way in digital innovation.
Success stories from various GP surgeries demonstrate that with the right support and collaboration, digital health technologies can significantly enhance patient care. Looking ahead, advancements in AI, telemedicine, and patient engagement tools hold great promise for the future of primary care.
Let’s continue the conversation: How can we better support GP surgeries in adopting new technologies? What are your experiences with digital transformation in primary care? Share your thoughts and insights so we can work together to improve healthcare for everyone.