345 A Novel Study Exploring the Hidden Cost of Insufficient Investment in Computer Technology in a District General Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The NHS’ move towards increasing digitisation is limited by inadequate resourcing. It is estimated 70% of a junior doctor’s time is spent completing computer-based administrative work. Aging and insufficient equipment leads to inefficiency. The objective of this study is to investigate the hidden cost of insufficient and poorly performing computer technology. Method Surveys were disseminated to doctors and data was collected regarding designation, ward, salary and estimated ‘minutes-waiting’ for computers to become free (CF) and to load (CL). Results 33 surveys were completed. The hospital-wide average CF and CL were 25 minutes and 31.06 minutes respectively, with a corresponding average daily cost per doctor of £10.16 (CF) and £12.63 (CL), totalling £22.79/doctor/day. In the highest-expense ward, CF (31.66 minutes) and CL (38.33 minutes) equated to £30.28/doctor/day. Following acquisition of new hardware and re-audit, CL was significantly reduced to 20.4 minutes (p = 0.0142). Conclusions This study highlights the hidden cost of insufficient, poorly performing hardware. Every day the total cost of time-wasted greatly surpasses the cost of a single computer unit, illustrating the false economy of reduced capital investment in computer technology.