Essex-based business Provide Digital which uses artificial intelligence to design, develop and build bespoke applications for the healthcare market has been shortlisted for a national award for its innovative self-referral software.
The company is one of the finalists in this year’s Health Services Journal (HSJ) Digital Awards under the category Driving Change through Data and Analytics.
The company developed and deployed an online triage system with clinicians at Essex-based parent company Provide CIC on behalf of Provide Wellbeing which allows patients to self-refer for physiotherapy without having to see their GP, saving both themselves and the medical profession precious time and resources.
The Smart Referral System has processed 5,500 referrals for physiotherapy in Essex since October 2021. When the pandemic hit and referrals fell to less than 500, the creation and deployment of the platform increased referrals and allowed the service to maintain high service levels.
Paul Twyman, Managing Director at Provide Digital, said: “As a team, we are really passionate about delivering bespoke software which transform patient care, alleviates managerial pressure, streamlines processes and ultimately, improves services and delivery times.
“When we were initially approached to create this software, we knew the potential it had was huge not only for the Essex area, but nationwide.
“We have seen the number of GP appointments for physiotherapy services cut by at least half since we introduced it.
“Not only does this incredible software that solves a specific clinical problem – it can be adapted to meet the needs of others too and we have made tweaks now so it can handle self-referral for carpal tunnel syndrome and vasectomies with similar success.”
He added: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for this award and it really is a testament to all of the hard work that went into bringing this to life.”
Luke Tandy, Clinical Manager at Provide CIC, said: “The introduction of the platform has significantly improved the efficiency of our musculoskeletal care pathway while, most importantly, delivering a much better experience and outcome for our service users accessing the Provide physiotherapy service.
“It has given us the ability to collect all the necessary information from the service user, without delaying the referral registration process, and streamlined the digital triage process so that our local population receive earlier access to physiotherapy support and achieve the best possible outcomes.
“It really has been a game-changer in our service with huge benefits to all stakeholders.”
More than 300 entries were received for this year’s HSJ awards with just 164 projects and individuals making the final shortlist.
HSJ editor Alastair McLellan, said: “On behalf of all my colleagues, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Provide Digital on being shortlisted as a finalist in the category of Driving Change through Data and Analytics Award.
“All of the applications represent the ‘very best of the NHS’ and often leave our esteemed panel of judges with an impossible choice.
“We’re all very much looking forward to welcoming our finalists to the awards ceremony in June, celebrating their impressive achievements and jointly acknowledging our values of sharing best practice, improving patient outcomes and continuously driving for better service.”
The full list of nominees for the 2022 HSJ Digital Awards can be found on their website here: https://digitalawards.hsj.co.uk/
The selected winners will be announced during the awards ceremony at Manchester Central on June 22.
