What is the challenge your project is going to address and how does it connect to the theme of 'How can we improve across system boundaries?​

Our project addresses the challenge of modernizing data transfer between our organization and Anthony Nolan, a process currently hindered by slow and error-prone email exchanges. This challenge highlights the inefficiencies and limitations of existing communication systems in healthcare. The reliance on outdated methods not only slows down the transfer of critical information but also introduces potential inaccuracies, impacting patient care and organizational effectiveness.

By focusing on this challenge, we aim to shed light on the need for improved data management practices across system boundaries. The inability to seamlessly exchange data exacerbates the fragmentation within the healthcare ecosystem, hindering collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. This emphasizes the broader systemic issue of siloed approaches to information management, underscoring the importance of finding solutions that transcend organizational boundaries to foster more efficient and effective data exchange in healthcare.

What does your project aim to achieve?

Building upon the existing functionality of our recently launched digital web application, our project focuses on enhancing its capabilities by integrating it with the NHS through APIs. Currently, the web application operates independently without direct integration with NHS systems. This initiative aims to bridge this gap by facilitating seamless communication and data exchange between our organization and the NHS. This will require important process redesign across the NHS and third sector boundary.

The integration of APIs will enable users to leverage the application’s features while securely accessing and transmitting data within the NHS ecosystem. By extending the application’s reach to include NHS integration, we aim to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and facilitate better collaboration between healthcare providers. This endeavour represents a significant advancement in our efforts to modernize data management practices in healthcare, ultimately leading to improved patient care outcomes.

How will the project be delivered?

The project will be delivered through an agile approach, prioritizing continuous feedback and iteration. Initially, a discovery phase will be conducted to understand the specific needs and requirements of both Anthony Nolan and the NHS. This will involve close collaboration and partnership with NHS stakeholders to ensure alignment and mutual understanding. Throughout the development process, agile methodologies will be employed to facilitate rapid prototyping and iteration based on fast feedback loops.

Regular sprints will be conducted to incrementally develop and refine the digital web application and API integration. Close communication with NHS partners will enable us to validate and iterate on features quickly, ensuring that the final deliverable meets their needs effectively. Through the project and each sprint, we will update and test our processes and ways of working.

How is your project going to share learning?

By building this unique set of data and process flows between the NHS and third sector, we will be able to demonstrate the significant power of working across system boundaries to achieve better patient outcomes.

We will share lessons, provide show and tells and write up our work in such a way to make future collaborations of this nature easier for others.