Use and develop technology appropriately

Owned by Toby Page
Last updated: Feb 02, 2021

Choose tools and technology to deliver benefits in a cost-effective way

Rationale

Digital transformation is about organisation change using new capabilities, not forcing technical complexities on existing organisation structures and ways of working.

Don't expect technology to fix underlying organisation or process problems and avoid over-engineering solutions.

Acknowledge that you’re making a significant investment when making a decision about technology.  These choices will have a huge impact on the ability to create, iterate and operate services in a sustainable way.  

Ensure that technology itself, (which is subject to continual obsolescence and vendor dependence), does not become the driver.

Example Tactics

  • Share and seek out information on existing/evolving capabilities and aim to re-use. Maintain awareness of technology trends, maturity levels and adoption.

  • Take steps to understand the implications of short-term solutions - ensure that migration to strategic options are planned and implemented.

  • Make use of assurance frameworks and tools – E.g. Apps libraries, NHS toolkits (DTAC), Clinical Safety frameworks.

  • Embed consideration of non-functional perspectives – E.g. Security, Clinical safety, IG, usability, accessibility