The Dual Reality of Shared-Use Mobile Devices in UK Healthcare

Shared-use mobile devices have become indispensable tools in NHS wards, enabling faster communication, streamlined workflows, and more responsive patient care. Yet Imprivata research exposes a striking dual reality: while UK hospitals save an average of £522,000 annually by using shared-use devices instead of personal ones, 47% still lack a formal management policy, leaving critical security and operational gaps that threaten to undermine these gains.

Clinicians face security fatigue, repeated logins, and workflow disruptions that erode productivity and morale. Weak governance and inconsistent device management can expose patient data to unnecessary risk, while outdated authentication practices slow care delivery and compromise both safety and trust.

“The challenges that organisations face in managing and securing shared-use devices are not surprising given that the industry is at the early stages of adoption,” said Daniel Johnston, MRes, BSc, RN, Associate Chief Nursing Informatics Officer and Director of Clinical Operations at Imprivata, in a recent Health Tech World article. “To address these challenges and start to optimise the use of mobile devices in patient care, UK healthcare organisations must implement strong identity and access management, robust device management, and strategies to streamline clinical workflows to deliver the highest standards of security and usability.”

Innovative solutions are emerging, and UK organisations are utilising them in their digital transformation efforts. Passwordless authentication and single sign-on (SSO) eliminate manual logins and reduce credential sharing, resulting in significant savings for UK hospitals, as proven in recent research published in the peer-reviewed journal, Advances in Health Information Science and Practice (AHISP). Automated device provisioning, centralised mobile device management, and contextual access controls ensure each session is secure and accountable. Integrated digital identity platforms unify IT and clinical operations, enhancing productivity and trust while sustaining measurable financial value.

Given the NHS 10-Year Plan to expand digitally enabled care and operational resilience, embracing and scaling digital transformation will be crucial for the future of UK healthcare. By securely streamlining clinical access and reducing login-related delays, shared mobile programs can return thousands of hours to patient care, strengthening both cybersecurity and clinician satisfaction.

Learn more about the state of shared-use mobile devices in UK healthcare.