DHI snapshot report shows some NHS digital maturity improvement

A Digital Health Intelligence report analysing the digital maturity of NHS acute trusts shows that the number of trusts to reach the highest level has risen by more than 30% since 2023. 

The report, ‘Digital maturity review of NHS acute trusts’ focuses on HIMSS Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM) levels 5-7 and Infrastructure Adoption Model (INFRAM) adoption, based on 130 responses collected between February 2024 and November 2024.

Out of the acute trusts surveyed, 42 (32%) have achieved HIMSS EMRAM levels 5, 6 or 7, a 31.25% rise from 32 (24%) reported in the analysis from June 2023, which was collected from responses from 132 NHS acute trusts between June 2022 and August 2022.

Only 15 (12%) of surveyed acute trusts have achieved HIMSS INFRAM levels 5, 6, or 7, DHI’s report shows, “highlighting the significant work still required to build robust and future-ready digital infrastructure across the NHS”.

The DHI report demonstrates not only varied levels of digital maturity, but also significant gaps in engagement with HIMSS frameworks like EMRAM and INFRAM.

Across the trusts assessed, 48 (37%) have yet to undergo HIMSS EMRAM assessment, and 30 (23%) remain at foundation levels 0-4.

Similarly, 69 (53%) of trusts have not yet engaged with HIMSS INFRAM, and 23 (18%) are at levels 0-4, highlighting the need for continued focus on digital transformation.

Several trusts have deprioritised HIMSS assessments, particularly those currently procuring or implementing new EPR systems, the snapshot report points out.

Bolton NHS Trust, who currently use Altera’s electronic patient record (EPR), has paused working toward INFRAM certification until its EPR deployment for Outpatients and Community services is complete.

Others cite varying levels of digital maturity across services, making a single HIMSS certification level unrepresentative of their progress. Birmingham Children’s Hospital, for example, is at EMRAM Level 2 but aims to reach Level 6 or 7 by 2025, while other services remain at lower levels.

Some trusts have also moved away from HIMSS models entirely, thanks to the increasing prominence of NHS specific frameworks, such as the Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) and Digital Capabilities Framework (DCF).

“While HIMSS EMRAM and INFRAM remain globally recognised benchmarks, their adoption in the NHS may wane if these local frameworks gain traction,” the report states.

It adds: “As NHS trusts continue their journey toward digital maturity, the divergence between HIMSS models and NHS led benchmarks will likely shape the future of digital progress.

“Trusts with explicit goals tied to achieving HIMSS levels 6 or 7 are expected to continue investing in assessments and validation, while others may pause or adopt alternative approaches.

“The key strength of HIMSS lies in its global maturity and alignment with international EPR suppliers, but its relevance in the NHS may diminish as local frameworks evolve.”

For more insights, download the full report.