Natasha Phillips: Empowering nurses to lead innovation in healthcare
Founder and CEO of Future Nurse, Natasha Phillips, has a passion for integrating digital technologies into nursing practice. On November 12, she takes the stage at EHiN 2024. Read her best advice for nurses who want to contribute to growth and innovation in the healthcare sector, and influence policy decisions in the digital age.
Interview by: Sunniva Balstad, Special Advisor for Communication and Competence
Date: June 19, 2024
With a background as the Chief Nursing Information Officer for England at NHSX and NHSE, and previously at University College London Hospitals, Natasha Phillips combines extensive healthcare leadership with academic contributions as an Honorary Professor at the University of Salford, and has dedicated her career to driving digital transformation in nursing. EHiN recently had the privilege of discussing key topics with this dynamic professor.
Vision for the future of nursing and healthcare digitalization
– My vision for the future of nursing involves a seamless integration of digital technologies into everyday nursing practice. I foresee a healthcare system where nurses are proficient in utilizing electronic health records, telehealth, and AI-driven diagnostic tools to enhance patient care. Digital proficiency will enable nurses to provide personalized, efficient, and high-quality care while reducing administrative burdens and improving interdisciplinary collaboration. This vision includes a robust framework for ongoing education and support, ensuring that nurses remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
Evolution of digitalization in healthcare
Throughout her career, Phillips has witnessed a substantial evolution in digitalization within the healthcare sector, from basic administrative tools to sophisticated clinical applications. This transformation has not only streamlined administrative processes but also revolutionized patient care delivery and outcomes.
Natasha Phillips er en ledende skikkelse innen digital helse og sykepleieledelse, med erfaring som Chief Nursing Information Officer for England og en imponerende akademisk bakgrunn. På EHiN 2024 vil hun dele innsikter om digital transformasjon i sykepleie og betydningen av å integrere nye teknologier. Dette er en unik mulighet for sykepleiere som ønsker å lære mer om hvordan å forme fremtiden for helsevesenet gjennom digital innovasjon.
– Early digitalization efforts focused on electronic health records and digital documentation. Today, we see advanced technologies like AI, telemedicine, and wearable health devices transforming patient care and nursing practice. At UCLH, the implementation of the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system was a significant milestone, enhancing data management and care coordination. At NHSX and NHSE, I’ve seen the rise of digital health literacy programs and the widespread adoption of telehealth services, underscoring the sectors ongoing digital transformation.
Challenges and opportunities in today’s digital landscape for nurses
– The main challenges for nurses in todays digital landscape include the rapid pace of technological change, which necessitates continuous learning, and the need to maintain data security and patient privacy. However, these challenges come with substantial opportunities. Digital tools can enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and improve communication and collaboration among healthcare teams. Nurses who embrace digital technologies can lead innovations in patient care, contributing to more efficient and effective healthcare delivery.
Impact of AI on nursing practice and patient care
On how AI can impact nursing practice and patient care, she says she thinks that AI has the potential to significantly impact nursing practice and patient care by providing advanced diagnostic tools, predictive analytics, and decision support systems.
– AI can help nurses identify early signs of patient deterioration, suggest personalized care plans, and automate routine tasks, allowing nurses to focus more on direct patient care. However, its
crucial to ensure that AI tools are used ethically and that nurses receive proper training to interpret and act on AI-generated insights.
Guiding nurses in digital health leadership
When advising nurses on enhancing their digital skills and leadership roles, Phillips emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and professional development in digital health. She recommends attending workshops, enrolling in online courses, and participating in relevant conferences to stay current with emerging technologies and healthcare trends. Building a network with other digital health professionals can provide valuable insights and support. Additionally, Phillips encourages nurses to take on leadership roles in digital health initiatives within their organizations, advocating for and driving innovation and change.
Driving innovation in nursing policy
Regarding nurses aiming to contribute to growth and innovation in the healthcare sector and influence policy decisions in the digital age, Phillips advises staying informed and proactive in professional development. She stresses the need to engage with the latest research and developments in digital health, seek mentorship, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
– Nurses should voice the challenges and opportunities they encounter in practice and actively participate in policy discussions to advocate for integrating digital health tools. By assuming leadership roles and shaping the future of healthcare, nurses can drive growth and innovation in the sector.
Meet Natasha Phillips at EHiN, and see the program here.
