Automation Mythbusting within the NHS

With the news full of stories about automation and its big brother, Artificial Intelligence, our tech experts have taken some time out to sort the fact from the fiction in our new mythbusting series. If you want to find out more about how automation can make your work swifter, easier and more efficient, contact sbs.hello@nhs.net

Myth 1: “Automation is old news – it’s all about Artificial Intelligence now”.

Fact: Whilst there’s some overlap between automation and artificial intelligence, the two are not the same. If you’re looking for tried and tested technology, that excels at accuracy and that can be implemented swiftly and cost-effectively, automation is still very much in the lead. Find out more about the difference between automation and AI  – and what each can bring to your organisation – in our podcast, AI and automation – saviours or snake oil?

At NHS SBS, some of the solutions we have developed for Trusts combine automation and AI, leveraging AI to deliver robots who understand documents and are capable of processing invoices.

Myth 2: “Automation doesn’t increase accuracy”.

Fact: Manual processes result in error rates of between 1 and 5%. Automate the same process and error rates drop to around 0.1 – 0.5%, whilst releasing people to do more rewarding and fulfilling work. Find out more about how automation can help transform the NHS in our new podcast, Beyond the Darzi review – the role of corporate services in NHS reform, featuring Alice Donovan-Hart, our director of consulting, and Lydia Sullivan our director of procurement.

Many NHS organisations are exploring automation for their leavers process. By doing so, HR teams can reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks such as processing exit paperwork and ensuring final payments, minimising the risk of overpayments. This allows staff to focus on more strategic activities, such as improving employee engagement, developing talent, and fostering a positive organisational culture.

Myth 3: “Digital transformation has to follow a linear path”

Fact: In reality, digital transformation takes many forms and moves at different speeds for different organisations. Some of the most effective digital transformation happens when a small concept is so successful that it blossoms, paving the way for many other adoptions of similar technology. This has been demonstrated at University Hospital Sussex, where we began by automating six of their HR processes. The solution has since evolved to digitise their workforce planning forms and approvals process, with the goal to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Find out more in our webcast, “Navigating your Digital Transformation Journey” hosted by our automation consultants Jess Howe and Katie Mitchell.

Myth 4: “Automation is expensive and time consuming”.

Fact:  As it’s based on tried-and-tested technology (including from well known names like UiPath and BluePrism), automation is often swift and very cost-effective – returns on investment of 400% are not uncommon. An example is  Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, which automated its pharmacy invoice process. The project took just 12 weeks to complete, and resulted in annual savings of around £40,000.

However, cost efficiency isn’t the only benefit of automation. Other advantages include improved accuracy by reducing human error, enhanced compliance with regulatory standards, faster process completion, scalability to handle increased workloads, and the ability to free up staff for more strategic, value-adding activities.