Supporting NHS surgical units and aligned with NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) priorities
Surgical recovery in the UK faces a dual challenge: Rising demand and limited capacity
The UK faces a backlog of over 7 million patients awaiting routine surgery, with a significant number of hospital beds occupied by individuals who could otherwise recover at home. The HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Accelerated Surgical Care emphasizes transformative and disruptive technology innovation and real-world evidence, especially for communities lacking sufficient post-discharge support.
Over 7 million people
are on NHS surgical
waiting lists
Surgical readmissions cost the NHS hundreds of millions annually
Patients in underserved or rural areas are less likely to access post-op care
Discharge Delay – one in six hospital patients are medically fit to leave
The UK is shifting toward inclusive, citizen-driven healthcare based on the 4Ps model—Personalised, Preventive, Predictive, and Participatory—empowering citizens to actively manage their health.
A Transformative and Proven Digital Recovery Pathway for Post-Surgical Care
Developed in collaboration with and funding from the US NIH
RAPID (Recovery Acceleration & Patient-Integrated Digital Support) digital health technology extends hospital excellence into the home, using personalized digital care pathways to help patients recover more quickly and confidently. This frees up valuable hospital capacity, reduces readmissions, and delivers strong evidence of cost-effectiveness.
RAPID reduces readmissions, improves patient confidence, and frees up NHS beds.
✓ support early intervention to minimise readmissions and complication
✓ measurable cost savings
✓ innovative mobile and web technology solution
✓ align with PPIE priorities by ensuring equitable access and community input
✓ seamlessly integrate with NHS EPRs
Comprehensive Digital Recovery Support Tools for Surgical Patients
Enhanced Training
Streamline discharge decisions
with structured digital workflows
—
Prioritise follow-up based on real-time recovery data
Increase efficiencies
Speed up recovery through daily symptom tracking and alerts
—
Monitor mobility, pain, wound healing, and medication adherence
Enhanced access to care
Recovery support available 24/7
via mobile or web
—
Multilingual, literacy-sensitive, and tailored to patient needs
Empowered individuals and careers
Step-by-step digital guidance throughout the recovery journey
—
Share progress with carers and
build confidence at home
Empowered clinicians
Access dashboards to monitor
patient recovery trends
—
Deliver more personalised and effective care plans
Reduce inequalities
Equity-First Design & Patient Engagement
—
Supports equitable outcomes
through digital inclusion
Why This Matters for the NHS
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aligns with NHS digital and workforce goals – reduces pressure on staff, integrates with EHRs, and supports transformation at scale.
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enhances surgical triage and discharge decisions
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enables faster interventions and reduces complications through real-time digital monitoring
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expands equitable access to recovery support –
personalized recovery tools delivered at home, regardless of geography or background.
Next Steps for NHS Adoption
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Implement with surgical units or ICBs to evaluate feasibility and patient outcomes
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Co-develop data-driven metrics: readmission rate, length of stay, PROMs
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Stage expansion (e.g. orthopaedic, day surgery, cancer care)
