NHS England has announced the approval of a core primary care clinical IT system through its Tech Innovation Framework. Marking “the first of a new generation” of EPRs for GPs, Medicus Health has been approved with more supplies expected to be approved imminently.
The suppliers in the programme are said to deliver cloud-based solutions, that can be used on a variety of different devices, with an aim to help to integrate primary care with other care settings. To be approved through TIF also requires the solutions to integrate with the NHS App, the e-Referral service, and the electronic prescription service.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS national director of primary care and community services, said: “This new generation of systems is the first shake-up of the GP IT market we have seen in a quarter of a century, and this shift will help unlock more modern, joined-up care for patients, and help our staff to work better and smarter.”
NHSE expects more core GP IT systems to be made available through the TIF, with capabilities and standards including a public cloud model, browser-based applications, CIS2 authentication, and open APIs to allow for integration.
Another of the solutions set to be unveiled this year through the TIF is OX.DH’s OX.gp solution. A UK-based healthcare technology company specialising in 100 percent cloud-native solutions built on Microsoft Azure, OX.DH is working with GP practices and PCNs looking to address the critical issues of inefficiency, outdated systems, and fragmented data and care. The company is also offering demonstrations, which can be booked here.
Looking ahead: The future of GP IT and modernisation
For a recent HTN Now panel discussion, we spoke to experts from across the healthcare sector on the future of general practice core systems. This included exploring potential opportunities and areas of future growth, considering challenges such as integration and interoperability, and outlining what “good” looks like in this space. Our panellists were Bex Cottey, business manager for Conisbrough GPs, Emma Stratful, chief operating officer at OX.DH, Dr Sheikh Mateen Ellahi, GP and practice partner at ELM Tree Surgery and South Stockton Primary Care Network and Dr Shanker Vijayadeva, GP lead, digital transformation for the London region at NHS England.
In March, NHS England’s board met to discuss EPR coverage, digital maturity, as well tech and digital investment, looking at updates in overall performance, delivery, digital, data and technology. They also focused on opportunities for the future, identifying four areas to help “streamline processes, improve workflow, and better share information across care pathways”.
NHS England opened a preliminary market engagement notice in May, inviting suppliers to take part in introducing a market to digital primary care, offering solutions for procurement by ICBs and approved agencies across the UK. Part of NHSE’s Transformation Directorate, it follows the previous engagement for the GP IT Futures Framework, with the aim to ensure “streamlined access to innovative digital solutions” within healthcare.
