Leading technologically driven change

Introduction

The NHS is in the process of implementing the greatest technological change to its systems and processes since its inception. Investment in the National Programme for IT (NPfIT) is expected to amount to over £6 billion.

The NPfIT is a major programme to introduce new IT into and across the NHS. However, this is not simply the provision of new IT ‘kit’ but a vehicle through  fswhich new and improved systems that deliver significant benefits for patients, staff and the service can be successfully developed. The NPfIT will deliver a range of services that support electronic patient booking and choice of hospital, electronic care record systems and electronic transmission of prescriptions amongst others.

The Modernisation Agency (MA) is assisting the Department of Health and NHS to design, develop and implement the new systems. This will include identifying new ways of working to ensure the NHS and its patients get the maximum benefit from the current investment in new technology.

The Importance of Leadership

Research has identified that strong and effective leadership is crucial to realising the benefits of technology enabled and technology driven change. The successful implementation of major IT investment programmes such as NPfIT will bring real benefits to patients throughout the NHS and it is important that senior leaders are properly equipped to meet the challenges that are likely to arise.

The NHS Leadership Centre commissioned, on behalf of the MA Technologies in Health Group, a project amongst senior NHS stakeholders to establish their leadership development needs in relation to the implementation of new IT systems (including the National Programme for IT) in support of service development. The project was conducted by management consulting firms Hedra / Penna.

Recent additions to this site

	Leading technologically driven change: the development needs of senior executives and clinical leaders The results and recommendations from this research project are now available. Click here to access the full report, an executive summary and a presentation on the research, its key findings and recommendations.

This website provides information on the NHS Leadership Centre’s work to ensure appropriate development is available to senior executives and clinicians who are leading service change enabled and driven by technology in the NHS.

For more information about the NHS Leadership Centre’s work to support technology driven change and the roll-out of the NPfIT please contact Lynette Cotton on 020 7592 1065 or email: lynette.cotton@dh.gsi.gov.uk.