ICSs (Integrated Care Systems)

As the NHS and social care realign to form Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) and responsibility for commissioning transfers to each ICS, the task of forming and integrating ICPs and PCNs follows and providers are set to form alliances. The objective is to optimise efficiency, productivity and quality of care.

Digital technology can make a substantial contribution to these change management programmes. Technology enables new ways of working and processes/pathways of care. Patient monitoring technology can enable primary and secondary care pathway integration.

The technology can be used as an agent of change across the ICS to achieve a level of commonality very quickly.

Commonality and consistency of technology and processes also lays the foundations for simplified interoperability.

Implemented well, the technology is a platform for rapid improvement and the heavyweight transformation of out of hospital care.