Objective: To document the capabilities and technologies used in the NHS to develop digital.
Design: The study was conducted using Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and systematic website searches.
Data sources: Data were collected via FOI requests to NHS trusts between July 2020 and July 2021. Technology searches were conducted between August 2020 and July 2021. Data collection/extraction methods Data were compiled from responses to the FOI request and technology websites.
Results: A total of 191 (84.5%) of the then 226 NHS trusts completed the FOI request and 161 of the 191 (84%) had software/app development, website, innovation teams. One hundred and twelve (70%) teams developed front facing service user websites/apps. One hundred and fifty (93%) worked with clinical staff to formulate innovative ideas. Fifty-five (34%) carried out developments for other trusts and external entities. Thirty-five (22%) had attempted to secure an innovation grant. One-Hundred and thirty-eight (86%) disclosed the technologies they use. A total of 84 technologies were identified: 28 programming languages, 19 frameworks, 10 libraries, 11 databases, 7 interoperability standards, 5 application programming interfaces / web services and 4 continuous integration / continuous deployment platforms. Twenty-five (16%) said they always used open-source technology and 9 (6%) said they used it sometimes. Twenty-four (15%) disclosed technologies referred to interoperability standards in their responses.
Conclusions: The NHS must adopt a cohesive strategy and refine policies to ensure the success of its digital, open-source technology, and interoperability standards initiatives.
Summary: What is already known on this topic?
• Research findings have shown that NHS trusts and social care providers still lack digital maturity. What does this study add?
• The study provides a comprehensive list of technologies used in National Health Service (NHS) trusts in England. It identifies that NHS trusts are highly capable of digital innovation but are not equally adopting open-source technologies. How this study might affect research, practice or policy
• This study could help to guide digital policy regarding innovation and the use of open source within the NHS.
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)