Innovation of Information Sharing

Innovation in information sharing partnership with Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board.

The transition from hospital to home can be particularly challenging, especially for older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those recovering from major surgery. Research suggests that up to 20% of patients encounter complications during this period, often resulting in preventable emergency readmissions. Although written discharge instructions are provided, many patients still feel uncertain about their post-discharge care, indicating that verbal guidance alone may not be sufficient.

Technology, such as mobile applications, offers a potential solution by enabling healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients and support their recovery. However, the success of these technology-based interventions relies on both patient digital literacy and healthcare staff readiness. Ensuring that patients and professionals have the necessary skills and confidence to use these tools effectively is crucial. Limited digital literacy, particularly among older patients, may impede the effectiveness of such interventions, while healthcare staff must be adequately trained to deliver technology-assisted care. Additionally, healthcare systems must be prepared to integrate these technologies seamlessly into routine practice to ensure effective implementation within existing infrastructures.

The purpose of the project is to explore the use of technology to enhance information sharing and hospital discharge across Mid & South Essex Foundation NHS Trust (MSE): a collaborative project with Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and MSE Integrated Care System (ICS). 

ARU & MSE ICS have engaged with a wide range of key stakeholders and departments to support the development of the project, including but not limited to, MSE NHS Foundation Trust, Community Collaborative [Essex Partnership University Trust (EPUT), Provide Community, Northeast London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT)] and Digital Teams. This innovative concept would not have been possible without collaboration and positive engagement from our contributors and their commitment to deliver the project to benefit our patients.

Before implementing technology-based solutions, healthcare systems must assess both patient and staff readiness, as well as their capacity to integrate these innovations into their systems to enhance the quality of care provided. Therefore, as part of this project, we conducted several work packages.

The project had four main work packages (WP):

• WP1a: Developing insight using clinical data analysis through retrospective analysis
• WP1b: Scoping literature review of evidence
• WP2: Focus Groups: Scoping the utilisation of digital technology for discharge
• WP3: Survey: Assessing acceptability, digital literacy and readiness
• WP4: Feasibility study: Evaluating acceptability and effectiveness of video discharge using digital app

• Abdulmohdi, N., et al, 2024. Video-recOrded hospItal dischaRge (VOIR): Feasibility Randomised Control Trial. Clinical Trial Registry. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06512272 
• Brueton, V. and Abdulmohdi, N., 2024. Technologies to enhance patient discharge from hospital: a scoping review. Researching for impact. Faculty of Health, Medicine and Social Care 10th Annual Research Conference. 10th May 2024. Anglia Ruskin University: online.
• Brueton, V. and Abdulmohdi, N. 2024. Technologies to enhance patient discharge from hospital: A scoping review. RCN International Nursing Research Conference. 10-12 September 2024. Newcastle Upon Tyne. 
• Brueton, V., Abdulmohdi, N. Edmonds, N. Technologies to enhance patient discharge from hospital: A systematic scoping review (final stages for submission)