What Good Looks Like framework for Integrated Care Systems lists 7 measures for success

The What Good Looks Like ((WGLL) framework is the latest step in the digital transformation of the NHS in England and sets out seven measures for success applicable to all care settings.

WGLL is directed at all NHS leaders, as they work with their system partners, and sets out what good looks like at both a system and organisation level. It describes how arrangements across a whole ICS, including all its constituent organisations can support success.

It calls for patients to be able to digitally access their care plans and test results, for trusts to explore new ways of delivering care such as remote monitoring and consultations, and to improve care through the use of electronic prescribing systems.

National CIO Sonia Patel said:

“The ethos of shared learning underpins all of our support to frontline digitisation, and will be a key component of the support offered through What Good Looks Like going forward.”

The 7 measures for success are:

1. Well led: Boards are equipped to lead digital transformation and collaboration. They own and drive the digital transformation journey
2. Smart foundations: Digital, data and infrastructure operating environments are reliable, modern, secure, sustainable and resilient.
3. Safe practice: Organisations maintain standards for safe care and routinely review digital and data systems to ensure they are safe, robust, secure, sustainable and resilient.
4. Supported people: The workforce are digitally literate and are able to work optimally with data and technology.
5. Empower citizens: Citizens are at the centre of service design and can access and contribute to their healthcare information, taking an active role in their health and wellbeing.
6. Improve care: Health and care practitioners use digital and data to improve health and wellbeing, transform care pathways and deliver innovative and sustainable care models.
7. Healthy populations: Organisations encourage development and adoption of new ICS-led, population-based, digitally-driven models of care.

The guidelines will be followed up with an assessment process to be outlined by NHSX later this year, so NHS services can identify their gaps and prioritise areas for investment and improvement.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said:

“Over the past 18 months we have all appreciated the immense value of technology.

“This is particularly true for the NHS with digital technologies freeing up hospital beds and allowing clinicians to continue seeing patients remotely – and it will be invaluable in meeting other health challenges in the long-term.

“This new guidance from NHSX provides a clear direction to all NHS trusts on how to drive digital transformation forward and transform organisations, which will improve patient care and save lives.”

The guidance follows hot on the publication of a government report published in FCC on how system-wide adoption of technology could enable transformative change to benefit the nation’s health.