Effects of Digitalisation on Health and Social Care Sector Research

This research report, focusing on the "Effects of Digitalisation on the development of health and social care sector", investigates the impact of digital technology on the NHS. The study explores the benefits, challenges, and potential advancements brought about by digitalisation, including online consultations and improved customer services. The research employs a deductive approach and a conclusive research design, utilizing qualitative methods and thematic analysis of data collected from NHS employees through questionnaires. The findings highlight the positive impacts of digital technology, while also identifying challenges such as limited employee knowledge and the need for enhanced data security. The report concludes with recommendations for improving digital technology implementation and suggests areas for future research, emphasizing the importance of employee training and awareness regarding the benefits of digitalisation in the healthcare sector.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
Topic................................................................................................................................................1
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Project outline specification..................................................................................................1
1.2 Factors that contribute to process of research project selection............................................2
1.3 Critical review of key references..........................................................................................2
1.4 Research project specification...............................................................................................3
1.5 Appropriate plan and procedure for agreed research specification.......................................3
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Match resources efficiently to research questions................................................................6
2.2 Proposed research investigation with agreed specification and procedure...........................6
2.3 Record and collect relevant data...........................................................................................6
LO 3...............................................................................................................................................11
3.1 Use appropriate research evaluation techniques.................................................................11
3.2 Interpret and analyse the results .........................................................................................12
3.3 Recommendations and justification for further consideration............................................12
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................13
4.1 Using an agreed format and appropriate media to present the research outcomes to
audience....................................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

Topic
“Effects of Digitalisation on the development of health and social care sector.”
Introduction
The use of technology is increasing in every field and it leads to bring great benefits and
positive outcomes. Even the health and social care services and sector can be improved and
developed by implementing the digital technology. The research study is conducted for
identifying the various effects of implementing digital technology within the health and social
care. The research focuses on identifying the various key elements that affects health and social
care due to implementing large scale projects involving digital technology. Research questions
are formed for gathering primary and secondary data and rationale of the study is also provided.
Proposed research investigation is undertaken in accordance with agreed procedure and
specifications. Appropriate evaluation techniques and tools are being used in the report. The
research results are then being analysed and interpreted in context of original research
specifications. Further critical review of the research topic is done and methodology used are
discussed.
LO 1
1.1 Project outline specification
Aims & Objectives
Aim of the Research study:
“To analyse the effects of digitalisation on the development of health and social care
sector.” - A study on NHS.
Objectives of the Research study:
 To determine the benefit which can be gained by NHS by implementing the digital
technology.
 To identify the importance of digitalisation in context of improving health and social care
sector.
 To assess the challenges that are faced by NHS in implementation of digital technology.
 To suggest ways for improving the health and social care services.
Research Questions
11 What are the benefits and advantages of digital technology for the NHS?
1

11 How digitalisation can improve the health and social care sector?11 What are the challenges associated with implementation of digital technology?11 What are the ways or methods for improving the services of health and social care?
1.2 Factors that contribute to process of research project selection
Rationale
The main reason for conducting this research study is to discuss the benefits that digital
technology can bring. This topic will also assist the related future research studies as well. This
research is conducted so that it identify and reduce problems and issues associated with the
implementation of digital technology (Polonsky and Waller, 2018).
1.3 Critical review of key references
Houston, Richardson and Cotten, (2019) describes his view and states that the new
advanced level technological aspects promises for transforming the health and social care sector.
NHS can effectively enable greater benefits and advancements through digital technology such
as wireless sensors, smart appliances and new applications.
Benedetto and et.al. (2019) describes that the digitalisation can help the health and social
care to develop and improve their services and care settings. Various digital services can make it
easier for patients for booking appointments and also to order online for their prescriptions.
Castle-Clarke (2018) supports and states that the digitalisation initiatives helps the NHS and
other health and social care to move from paper-based techniques to digital systems and improve
the regulatory checks' procedure.
Bolton and et.al. (2019) critics that there is an increase in the sophistication of the
ransomware attacks is a challenge for all sectors that are increasingly relying on and using
technology. The other challenge is GDPR that processes large amount of personal data. The
other issue of implementing digital technology is that there is a lack of agreed standards for the
interoperability regarding digital healthcare systems.
According to Saviotti (2018) the services of health and care can be improved by focusing
on various aspects and areas such as making and maintaining appropriate physical environment
of the care settings. NHS also needs to focus on securing the cloud technology, protecting the
data of patients and improving the data access.
1.4 Research project specification
Methodology
2

Deductive approach is chosen as it helps in validating the assumptions. The research
design selected for this research study is conclusive research as it usually structured. Qualitative
method is chosen as this puts great emphasis on gathering data which is based on feelings and
unquantifiable (Albiero and et.al., 2018). Sampling method is chosen for collecting the relatable
and reliable data. 20 employees of NHS are chosen as the sample for gathering the reliable and
accurate data. Thematic analysis is selected for data analysis purpose.
Expected Outcomes
The expected outcomes of the research study is to identify and analyse about the
technological developments and its importance in the health and social care (Yeguez and et.al.,
2019). The results of the research can guide and assist future studies relevant with this topic.
1.5 Appropriate plan and procedure for agreed research specification
Temporal Plan
3

4

5

LO 2
2.1 Match resources efficiently to research questions
Cost: This involves both variable and fixed cost. In order to effectively facilitate the research
activities, cost is involved.
Scope: The present research has limited scope because researcher aims at executing only
required activities (Albiero and et.al., 2018).
Quality: The reliability of research information is based on the quality factor.
Communication: Effective communication and co-ordination is important so that it helps in
preventing overlapping of task activities and also ensures that resources are utilized effectively.
Risk: There are different forms of risk associated in relation to the implementing information or
communication technology (Polonsky and Waller, 2018).
Resources: Various resources are needed to effectively facilitate the research and implementing
information technology. This can include finance, people, technology, printer, etc.
2.2 Proposed research investigation with agreed specification and procedure
Covered in Appendix
2.3 Record and collect relevant data
Theme 1: Patients will like to engage with online consultations.
Do you think patients will like to engage with online
consultations?
Frequency
 Yes 14
 No 3
 Don't know 3
6

Theme 2: Impacts of digital technology on the services of NHS.
What impacts do digital technology can bring on the
services of NHS?
Frequency
 Positive 12
 Negative 3
 Both 5
7
14
3
3
Yes
No
Don't know

Theme 3: Digital technology provides benefits or risk to the health and social care sector.
Do digital technology provides benefits or risk to the
health and social care sectors?
Frequency
 Benefits are more than risk 10
 Risk are more than benefits 3
 Benefits are equal to risk 7
8
Positive Negative Both
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Column B

Theme 4: Knowledge of people regarding the digital technology.
What is your knowledge regarding the digital
technology?
Frequency
 Little knowledge 10
 In-depth Knowledge 5
 Not aware about it 5
9
Benefits are more than risk
Risk are more than benefits
Benefits are equal to risk
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Column C

Theme 5: Digital technology can improve the overall process and customer services.
Do you agree that digital technology can improve the
overall process and customer services?
Frequency
 Yes, I do agree 9
 No, I don't agree 4
 Partially agree 7
10
Little knowledge
In-depth Knowledge
Not aware about it