MFT
It will also benefit research initiatives , and encourage use of other technologies . " Capturing information digitally instead of on paper opens up opportunities to use things like artificial intelligence to make predictions , on emergency department demand for example .
" We ' ll also be moving much more into technology to manage people ' s healthcare at home . We already do some of that with our cardiology team for example , remote monitoring patients with rhythm disturbances . But I think more and more of that will be happening in conjunction with our community partners " Dr Devlin adds .
The EPR will also incorporate a patient portal , where people can book appointments and communicate with their clinical team . " That in itself all of a sudden changes the relationship between the caregiver and the patient , making them much more of a team rather than the patient being the recipient of care . Patients can become much more engaged and involved in their healthcare , which is what they want ."
Another key development will be in medical imaging , as the Trust has recently signed a deal with Siemens Healthineers to upgrade their equipment . “ Demand for our imaging services is increasing by 5 % -10 % every year , yet we ’ ve had to reduce our throughput to deal safely with COVID-19 ,” Catherine Walsh , Divisional Director of Imaging for MFT explains .
“ This new relationship gives us the confidence that we ’ ll be able to continue to invest in the latest technology with the flexibility to adapt it to our needs , now and into the future . All associated factors such as maintenance and budgeting are taken care of . Ultimately , the partnership will enable us to focus on delivering the best
“ Capturing information digitally instead of on paper opens up opportunities to use things like artificial intelligence to make predictions ”
DR VERONICA DEVLIN CTO , MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
238 April 2021