Following the launch of NHSX in July 2019, the organisation held a listening event where innovators were asked one key question: ‘If NHSX and partners were to focus on one or two things, what do you think are the most important priorities?’.
Today the organisation has published its insight and learnings here, outling key themes and how NHSX will aim to address them.
The report includes 5 key themes:
- Standards
- Procurement
- Approach and scale
- Engagement
- Digital capability
On standards the report states “a clear position on standards was widely supported by the innovators, who felt that some of the larger incumbent technology companies were resistant to interoperability and linking to their systems. There were a number of questions received about the commitment to standards of all types – technical and professional – and how they can be consistently implemented as well as plans for achieving greater system interoperability. This was the highest ranked topic over all.”
In which NHSX aims to respond “NHSX believes that open standards are essential. We are committed to supporting interoperability. We believe that there needs to be consistent uptake of these standards across the NHS, social care, and all providers of digital solutions. This work will be led by the Chief Technology Officer for NHSX and will involve adopting open standards to ensure that all new NHS technologies are interoperable; and publishing APIs for key national services.”
“We will establish which use cases we should adopt and mandate standards for, and ensure international open standards.”
For procurement the report stated “there was a consistent view that procurement could be made easier, with requests to create a more positive environment for small companies innovating in this space. It was felt that existing frameworks were not always suitable for digital health innovators. Companies who were already on frameworks provided feedback that they would like to see existing frameworks more strongly encouraged or even rigorously enforced.”
NHSX responded to highlight the recent work of the Health Systems Support framework (HSSF) and the “Innovation Greenhouse” established to support Integrated Care Systems to access the market for tried and tested innovations for patients, populations and NHS staff (for example, from initiatives like the NHS Innovation Accelerator Programme or the Test Beds Programme). In the report it stated “The new Innovation Greenhouse Lot may have a lighter touch process specifically for innovative organisations and small to medium size enterprises and allow existing relevant accreditations to be carried forward into the bid process.”
Please click here to read the full report.
