As the NHS continues its digital transformation journey, many Trusts are looking to frameworks to guide their progress. Historically, some turned to the HIMSS EMRAM model, a global benchmark for hospital digital maturity. But increasingly, the focus has shifted to a more practical, patient-centred, and NHS-specific approach, the What Good Looks Like (WGLL) framework.
While EMRAM focuses heavily on digitising core clinical systems, WGLL goes further bringing patients into the heart of the digital strategy.
At Airwave Healthcare, we believe this shift makes perfect sense and we’re here to help Trusts deliver on these new, more meaningful goals.
Why WGLL is More Relevant Than EMRAM in 2025
Although HIMSS EMRAM has value in benchmarking the digitisation of EPRs and clinical systems, it doesn’t fully capture the priorities of today’s NHS:
| Focus Area | EMRAM | WGLL |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Medical Records | Core focus | Still important |
| Patient Access & Inclusion | Minimal | Central (Theme 7) |
| Local NHS priorities (ICS, equity, recovery) | Not covered | Embedded |
| Alignment to NHS funding (e.g. Digital Aspirant) | No | Yes |
| Practical focus on service delivery | Abstract | Real-world |
WGLL reflects the actual needs of NHS patients, staff, and communities not just the digital infrastructure, but how it’s used to improve care and experience.
Airwave at the Bedside - Supporting WGLL from Day One
Airwave Healthcare’s bedside patient engagement platform, MycareTV is built with these NHS priorities in mind. By providing managed devices at the bedside, we help Trusts:
- Empower patients to access their health information, provide feedback, and self-manage care
- Bridge digital divides, offering inclusive access for those without smartphones or digital literacy
- Streamline non-clinical processes, such as food ordering and information requests
- Improve staff productivity, by reducing non-urgent call bells and supporting language translation
- Deliver accessible education on conditions, procedures, and discharge pathways
All of this aligns perfectly with WGLL Theme 7:
“Empower Citizens, while also supporting other themes like Smart Foundations, Safe Practice, and Well-Led.”
A Platform That Goes Beyond the EPR
The reality is, you can’t drive true digital transformation by focusing on clinical systems alone. Digital maturity is much broader and needs to cover:
- Ensuring every patient can access services, not just clinicians
- Supporting equity and digital inclusion
- Enabling personalised, real-time feedback at scale
- Integrating with the NHS App and national services
- Making digital a routine part of care delivery at the bedside
That’s what Airwave Healthcare helps deliver and it’s why more NHS leaders are choosing to invest in digital platforms that put patients at the centre.
Let’s Bring Digital Maturity to Life, Not Just Score It
If your Trust is serious about aligning with WGLL, improving patient experience, and >making digital work for everyone, we’d love to talk. to find out how we can help bring your bedside digital strategy to life.
