In the first of a three-part series, DrDoctor Co-founder & CEO Tom Whicher caught up with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust CCIO, James Woollard and CDIO, Alison Furzer to explore Oxleas’ pioneering journey in digital mental health and patient engagement - from early adoption of electronic patient records to their collaboration with us, enhancing digital communication and engagement with patients and families.
Here's what they discussed:
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Early adopters: How Oxleas became one of the first NHS Trusts to adopt an electronic patient record nearly 20 years ago, setting the foundation for continued innovation
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Co-design and innovation: How Oxleas’ ADHD team co-designed an early patient engagement platform, allowing secure messaging, digital diaries, and feedback tools to engage young people
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Oxcare: What led them to create and ultimately publish Oxcare, a patient engagement platform co-designed with staff and patients
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Partnership with DrDoctor: Why Oxleas chose DrDoctor to power its next-generation engagement tools (starting with digital appointment letters)
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Early results show 44% uptake across the Trust, saving time, money, and reducing paper waste
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Behavioural and cultural change: Why there needs to be a mindset shift when it comes to digital transformation - for the sake of patients and staff
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Sending a digital letter via DrDoctor costs under 4p versus 84p for postage - tangible savings and environmental wins
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What's coming next: How Oxleas aims to reach 70% digital uptake, from pre-appointment questionnaires to therapeutic self-management content and integration with the NHS App