The digital transformation of health and social care services is a key focus both nationally and internationally. Last month, in partnership with the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health, we published the findings from the National Engagement on Digital Health and Social Care.
The aim of the National Engagement on Digital Health and Social Care was to understand the opinions and attitudes of the Irish public and professionals in relation to the digitalisation of health and social care services. The engagement included a national telephone survey with over 2,000 members of the public and an online survey with over 1,000 professionals. A number of focus groups were also held with members of the public.
The results demonstrate that the public are ready to engage digitally with health and social care services and 74% said they would access their online record when available. The public want to use their online record for practical tasks to manage their health, for example, 90% of the public said they want to use their online health record to renew prescriptions for regular medications.
Professionals identified areas where they will require additional support. 92% of professionals indicated that they want clarity on who to contact for technical support, 83% want training in digital tools and 79% want protocols in place on providing services or information.
The findings from this engagement will inform HIQA’s health information programme of work and practice, policy, legislation and decision-making in the Department of Health and the HSE regarding development and provision of digital health systems and services in Ireland.
The findings report can be found on www.hiqa.ie.