Transformational Programme Boosts Digital Change Leadership In Wound Care Nursing
A new development initiative is championing digital transformation leadership within the realm of wound care nursing. The Digital Woundcare Leadership Programme recently saw its first cohort graduate, receiving accolades at the prestigious Royal College of Nursing. Nicola Ranger, the general secretary and chief executive, presented the awards.
Tackling A Pressing Need
It’s no secret that chronic wound care weighs heavily on the NHS budget. At an eye-watering £8.3 billion annually, it ranks just behind cancer and diabetes care. Dr Julian Guest’s landmark research highlighted this substantial financial burden, pointing finger at unwarranted variations in care, exacerbated by inconsistent data on wound caseloads.
Programme Objectives
The aim behind this innovative learning programme is to break the cycle of stagnation that often plagues digital initiatives. Many promising projects, driven by enthusiastic frontliners, fail to take off due to systemic constraints. Thus, the programme is meticulous in its approach, guiding participants through practicalities of initiating digital change.
“Nurses are natural innovators, well-positioned to drive digital transformation,” says Jimmy Endicott, digital health innovation leader and programme director.
Real-World Projects, Real-World Impact
Participants brought tangible digital project ideas to the table, fostering immediate real-world application. Craig Ware, from the North East London NHS Foundation Trust, expressed high hopes for a digital platform to measure wound healing.
Similarly, Claire Hoggard from Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust aimed to streamline wound assessment processes in community settings. She seeks quicker, more accessible methods, ultimately aspiring to enhance patient outcomes.
| Participant | Objective | Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| Craig Ware | Digital platform for wound measurement | North East London NHS Foundation Trust |
| Claire Hoggard | Streamline wound assessment | Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust |
A Supportive Cohort
Crucial to the programme’s ethos is creating a collaborative space. Anna Swinburn, from Accelerate CIC, cherished the peer support: “Meeting like-minded individuals from the very start was invigorating.” Bonds fostered through shared challenges create a peer network essential for progress.
Programme Delivery and Support
The programme’s development was a partnership between industry experts, such as Future Nurse, and digital aficionados like Healthy.io. Jimmy Endicott emphasised, “Leadership training gives them confidence and skills to break organisational barriers.”
Applications were exclusive to wound care professionals in community health roles, ensuring the most affected by the “burden of wounds” were primed to lead change. During the programme, participants got opportunities to hear from noted experts and gain hands-on experience in areas like business case writing and stakeholder engagement.
Voices From Within
Matthew Wynne, a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, underscores the need for nurse involvement in ideation as they are closest to front-line care realities. He stresses the field of wound care, predominantly nurse-led, is ideal for technological transformations.
The programme majored on empowering participants to navigate both clinical and managerial domains effectively. Michaela Delahunty, of the Rotherham, Doncaster, and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted her need for better skills in management and business planning.
| Skills Developed | Example Activities |
|---|---|
| Business Case Writing | Workshops with Lesley Soden |
| Presentation Skills | Classes from RADA |
| Understanding Stakeholders | Guidance from Calum Macleod |
Positive Feedback and Future Prospects
Results from the first cohort were overwhelmingly positive. Participants reported significantly improved understanding of organisational change processes and felt empowered to lead digital changes.
100% of respondents were satisfied, with 94% very satisfied with the skill acquisition.
Conclusion
The course aspires to create a ripple effect, fostering sustainable digital transformation in wound care across NHS organisations. As Prof. Natasha Phillips from Future Nurse concluded, "If the NHS truly aims for digitisation, it must bring its largest workforce along." Indeed, with 85% nurse involvement in system implementations already achieved in parts, the future looks promising.
The initiative is poised to open new career paths, enhance job satisfaction, and promote gender equity in tech-driven health sectors. Empowering nurses in health tech development doesn’t just drive innovation, it solidifies societal equity, bolstering economic and social progress.
In summary, the Digital Woundcare Leadership Programme is a remarkable leap toward revolutionising wound care through digital innovation, driven by nurses who are now better equipped to lead the charge.
Jimmy Endicott
Digital Health Innovation Leader and Director of the Digital Woundcare Leadership Programme
