Evidence base

Shining a Light Survey - 18/11/2022

Study of the impact of digital communications on the workload and wellbeing of NHS staff. Conducted in May 2020 during Covid. 3,047 staff from NHS Trusts across the UK responded to survey within one month of opening. Study was closed early due to data stability.

23% NHS staff receive over 50 emails per day
47% Use home time for work-related emails.
64% Have their core work disrupted by email
82% Call for an effective solution

Bakhai, A., McCauley, L., Stones, L. et al. Shining a light on an additional clinical burden: work-related digital communication survey study – COVID-19 impact on NHS staff wellbeing. Humanit Soc Sci Commun9, 414 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-022-01427-7

Right to disconnect

An overwhelming majority of NHS staff, 82% in total, agree or strongly agree that a framework is needed to manage work communications. This desire is particularly pronounced among those who handle a high volume of daily emails, suggesting that digital overload is a significant driver of this sentiment. These findings provide a strong evidence base for introducing a "right to disconnect," as such a policy would establish clear boundaries to protect staff wellbeing from the pressure of being constantly available.

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NHS DigiWell Trial: May 2023 - October 2024

HRA approved (IRAS 317069) and NIHR CRN portfolio adopted clinical trial investigating digital wellbeing, healthcare email productivity and clinical email safety with and without AirEmail.

Conducted at: Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

67 Royal Free staff consented to take part and 54 staff completed AirEmail training and tested AirEmail for a period of 8 weeks.

24% Faster mean time to reply to clinical emails
24% Faster mean time to reply to clinical emails
14% Faster mean reply time to all emails
24% Faster mean action time to all emails

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