NHS Gloucestershire ICB has published a prior information notice to explore procuring a continuing healthcare digital system, by opening a preliminary market engagement exercise.
The ICB notes a number of key requirements for the system, including the ability to map the continuing care assessment process across all age groups, ongoing care management functionality, automated reporting and the ability to monitor statutory time-bound activity such as assessments and reviews. It should also provide access to a patient platform, a customisable referral platform and a data visualisation tool for “ongoing monitoring and insights”.
Finally, the notice also highlights the importance of AI and ambient technology to help “streamline the assessment process”, adding that the new system should also be able to integrate with partner systems such as RiO, SystmOne Community, Liquid Logic and the national spine.
According to the ICB, the contract is expected to last “between 3 and 5 years, depending on the route to market chosen following market engagement”, with the total value yet to be confirmed. Interested providers must register their interest by 12pm on 29 April 2025, after which a virtual market engagement event will take place, where an estimated budget will also be discussed. Find out more about this opportunity here.
Digital transformation across ICBs: the wider trend
A new framework intending to provide a tool to support ICBs on effective implementation was recently published, with the aim to address “considerable variation in how Advice and Guidance is applied, delivered and monitored”. As a result, all ICBs will be required to submit quarterly progress of Advice and Guidance, providing a maturity level, as well as insight into its use and quality.
Two primary care innovation projects have been selected for Surrey Heartlands ICB Test Bed Programme. With £1.3 million in non-recurrent funding, the programme aims to deliver innovation in primary care, focusing on three key areas: inbound, outbound, and business processes.
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB recently awarded a £90,000 contract to the digital mental wellness programme myHappymind, an online educational resource aimed at supporting children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing.
NHS Frimley ICB also awarded a contract to Pungo Ltd for its social prescribing digital solution, Joy. The 3-year contract is said to support the social needs of patients across four Slough PCNs and other secondary care partners, with the Joy app reportedly helping to create a “streamlined referral process” when connecting patients with different care providers.
