Evaluation of the Access to IT pilot project

In 2020, Research Consulting were commissioned by Health Education England (HEE) to review the pilot of the Access to IT project.

The objective of the Access to IT Project was to ensure that all learners placed at each NHS Trust have access to the relevant IT, clinical and electronic systems and services that they need whilst on clinical placement. Ensuring learners have timely access to the information they need is critical to ensuring they are able to successfully complete their on-site placements. This evaluation included completing a gap analysis, assessing and ranking various technical solutions and identifying best practice from the pilot.

The evaluation had two aims:
i) to review the findings of the Access to IT pilot including the benefits, lessons learnt and overall experience of participants; and
ii) to explore the opportunities for the wider implementation of the Access to IT project across England.

The methodology included desk research reviews of the project environment and evidence, consultation with stakeholders and participants via an online survey, interviews and focus groups. Recommendations for the future implementation and expansion of the pilot were made.
T
he timeline for this project ran alongside then developing COVID-19 pandemic, which caused particular strain on the NHS and healthcare sector. This required an agile approach to project delivery, working with the client and stakeholders to adjust to the developing circumstances.