Despite a recent commitment to improve care through technology, the NHS is failing to keep up with the digital age, with nearly 60 per cent of patients not satisfied with the current processes and technology used by the health service.

According to a report by Apadmi Enterprise, the NHS is lagging considerably behind its five year plan, published in 2014, to improve patient care through technology.

A lack of accessible information rated among the highest complaints in the survey, with almost 80 per cent of patients calling for hospitals to bring in apps to improve access to basic information like appointment details, test results and contact information.

55 per cent of patients claimed they have never used mobile technology to engage with the NHS ahead of, or during a hospital visit. Thats despite 76 per cent saying they would like to use a form of technology to manage appointments, and over half saying they would want to store prescriptions digitally.

Lack of hospital information, especially around parking, remains one of the biggest bugbears, with 59 per cent unhappy with current efforts, and 66 per cent keen to see the NHS offer a digital solution.

Technology that empowers patients and their approach to their own healthcare is another key consideration, with 45 per cent seeking a digital solution for storing and accessing healthcare records, and 43 per cent saying they would use technology to manage ongoing illnesses or health issues if it was offered.

“Mobile technology has huge potential to transform the way healthcare is provided and accessed in the UK,” said Matt Hunt, CEO of Apadmi Enterprise. “New technology and services will allow healthcare professionals to better serve their patients, as well as enable people to be more proactive in managing their own health and well-being.

“While its clear that mobile technology adoption in hospitals is still in its infancy, our research demonstrates that there is a strong demand from patients for this kind of tech to be implemented.

“Organisations will undoubtedly need help managing utilisation, streamlining processes and handling the vast amounts of data that will be stored or generated. But it seems there is no better time for healthcare organisations to seize the opportunities of mobile app technology to take advantage of greater efficiencies and better patient outcomes.”