As the NHS and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) continue to embrace digital transformation, clinical guidelines are increasingly delivered and supported through software platforms.
While national guidance provides the essential evidence base and ensures consistency of care, there is clear value in allowing a degree of localisation when implementing these standards.
Localisation practices help ensure that guidelines reflect local service models, workforce structures, and available resources. For example, referral pathways, named services, or escalation processes may differ between regions. Embedding these local nuances within software not only supports smoother adoption by clinicians but also reduces the risk of errors caused by misalignment with real-world practice.
Moreover, localisation encourages clinician engagement. When end users see that guidance has been adapted to their working environment, they are more likely to trust and use the software as intended. This balance, national consistency supported by local relevance, improves both safety and usability.
In short, thoughtful localisation ensures that digital clinical guidelines are not just authoritative, but also practical, trusted, and actionable in the settings where care is delivered. Let us help you localise your SMART referrals more effectively to your needs and resources. Get in touch – hello@dxs-systems.co.uk.
