New e-rostering for tablets will help clinicians on the go

UK software company Allocate is rolling out a new version of its people management platform HealthRoster, designed to make electronic rostering faster and simpler for healthcare professionals.

HealthRoster 11 has been designed for tablets as well as computers with the aim of helping with the management and rostering of staff whether at their desks or on-the-go. The new platform offers an improved user interface and dashboard display that summarises information on one screen, making it faster to access. 

The new platform has been developed in conjunction with nine private and NHS Trusts, with input from staff and clinicians to help the platform developers understand how best it can support healthcare workers, particularly during times of increased demand.

Andrew Stocken, E-Systems Implementation Officer at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in Wales, says the new version of the software is more visual and user-friendly. "It will make a big difference when it comes to training new teams. Reporting is more streamlined meaning you don’t have to export reports into Excel. But the biggest win is being able to use the software on a tablet which means staff can be more mobile, which is especially important for clinicians.”

Allocate's erostering software is already in use at National Health Service (NHS) hospitals througout the UK, including the temporary Nightingale Hospital Yorkshire and Humber built to accomodate patients during the Covid-19 pandemic. As part of the government's Long Term Plan for the NHS, all clinical staff should aim to be rostered electronically by 2021. 

Simon Courage, Chief Solutions Architect at Allocate, explains: “We have seen a significant shift in e-rostering over the last ten years and its one that is constantly evolving. Whilst initially e-rostering was focused on linking shifts and hours worked to payroll, now it plays a vital role in safe staffing, staff experience and organisational responsiveness.  

"With Covid-19 forcing a transformation in the deployment of staff, e-rostering is once again a vital tool in the management of resources as healthcare organisations rapidly assess and redeploy skills based on acute needs as they continue to respond to the pandemic. HealthRoster 11 supports this by delivering an improved rostering experience for clinicians and administrative staff alike, which will improve efficiencies and will allow healthcare professionals to spend more time caring on the front line.”