FormStream: digitising admin in the healthcare sector

The UK healthcare sector can be incredibly demanding, particularly the NHS, so admin efficiency is vital. Typically, though, admin efficiency is hard to come by. The NHS’s systems are notoriously outdated and largely paper-based. This not only slows processes down, but can also incur significant costs. It’s also just far more taxing, for admin professionals and medical professionals alike.

One of the tools designed to address this problem (or this multitude of problems) is FormStream, a web-based e-forms application developed right here at Voice Technologies, in collaboration with the NHS.

In today’s blog, we’ll be breaking down the basics of FormStream, the benefits of going digital in the healthcare sector, and whether you can completely replace paper forms with e-forms.

What is FormStream?

While the application is used across various industries, FormStream was designed specifically to help the NHS shift away from paper-based processes. It’s a comprehensive platform that allows you to create, manage and process electronic forms, with none of the hassle inherent in paper-based systems.

The burden of paper forms in the healthcare sector

While more and more sectors are going completely digital, much of the healthcare sector in the UK is still often relying on outdated analogue systems and processes, particularly in the NHS. But the NHS is exactly where FormStream has been so rigorously tested, and, by replacing their paper forms, many NHS professionals have been able to eliminate duplication, save time and reduce costs.

The benefits of digitising with FormStream

There are numerous benefits to digitising your forms, including:

Your data, and your patients’ data, is secure
Data security is, obviously, critically important in this industry. With FormStream, you can be confident that your data and the data of your patients is completely protected. Robust encryption protocols are built-in across the entire e-forms process, which means that all data is as secure as possible.

No hard copies required
With FormStream your forms are entirely digital, and, because the application is web-based, they’re accessible from any device, whether that’s your desktop computer, laptop or phone. You don’t need to have a specific application installed.

Saves time and money
A lot of time and money typically goes into analogue, paper processes - especially in the NHS, where paper’s still relied on so heavily. There’s not only the cost of the paper itself but also the storage, printing and distribution. You also have to account for the labour costs and the hours inherent in filing, retrieving and managing paper documents. Switching to digital processes can eliminate most, if not all, of these costs.

Can FormStream completely replace paper forms?

FormStream isn’t just a novelty tool that gives you the option to make certain forms electronic; it can completely replace your paper forms. Whereas before you would’ve had to print, scan and upload forms manually, with FormStream your e-forms are saved, processed and uploaded to their relevant location - all in one move. You can digitise the entire process, meaning you nor your clients ever have to get bogged down in paper forms again.

Conclusion (FormStream: digitising admin in the healthcare sector)

In an era where efficiency and security are both non-negotiable, holding firm to paper-based admin systems is becoming a less and less viable option for the healthcare sector. FormStream is a robust, secure, and user-friendly solution. It allows healthcare providers to eliminate both the costs and inefficiencies of paper, all while protecting sensitive data, and freeing up time for their staff to focus on patient care.

We help organisations reduce the time and cost of producing correspondence via information workflow apps, speech recognition software and digital dictation hardware & software. Think we could help your team? Book a consultation today.