Anatomy of success

Every government since New Labour has pledged that innovation will revolutionise the NHS. Yet despite these claims that technology will fix public services, there has been no shortage of tech firms pitching their products as the cure.

Many observers, however, have grown wary after repeated attempts at digitisation have either overpromised or underdelivered. This scepticism has fuelled accusations of “hype” around claims about what new technologies can deliver for patients. More recently, with the rise of AI, concerns have emerged that poorly implemented technology could exacerbate health inequalities and even harm patients.

This paper draws on previous lessons from past health service modernisation initiatives. It identifies key decisions the government must get right if it wants to achieve its health goals over the next decade and deliver world-class care to all.