Overview
The NHS’s newly released 10-Year Health Plan for England presents a significant opportunity to address the ongoing challenges in health tech procurement, as highlighted by Lisa Farrell from the National Robotarium.
Current Challenges in Procurement
Last November, it was noted that procurement barriers within the NHS were causing UK healthcare robotics companies to take their innovations abroad instead of implementing them domestically. The new health plan acknowledges this issue and aims to shift the perspective of the NHS from viewing industry as mere vendors to seeing them as collaborators.
Impact of the Innovation Exodus
The trend of UK-developed technologies being utilized in foreign hospitals rather than within the NHS is concerning. Examples include:
- UK-developed telerobotic technology is being used in European hospitals.
- Stroke rehabilitation devices, funded by UK public investment, are targeting North American markets.
- Robotic rehabilitation coaches are being trialed in Austria.
- Socially assistive robots are being tested in France.
This situation results in a dual loss: UK patients miss out on innovative treatments, and the economic advantages, such as job creation and intellectual property, are lost to other countries.
New Partnership Models
The health plan emphasizes the importance of genuine partnerships between NHS trusts and technology companies. This collaboration should begin at the problem definition stage, allowing for:
- Joint identification of healthcare needs.
- Co-development of solutions.
- Collaborative planning for implementation.
The proposed Regional Health Innovation Zones are intended to facilitate this collaboration, providing flexibility to experiment with new commissioning models and simplify procurement processes.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the potential benefits, there are concerns about the fragmentation of these zones and the need for a balance between local innovation and national programs. Additionally, the plan’s focus on outcome-based commissioning may pose challenges for robotics companies, as they might need to guarantee measurable improvements in patient outcomes.
Opportunities for Collaboration
One promising aspect of the plan is the expanded NICE process for devices and digital products, which will provide a clearer national pathway for technology companies. This includes:
- Accelerated commercial support.
- Intensive adoption and pathway transformation support.
Funding for Transformation
The plan mandates that NHS organizations allocate 3% of their budgets for transformation investments, potentially amounting to Β£6 billion annually. This funding is crucial for technologies that promise long-term benefits.
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
The NHS is positioned to become a strategic economic player, recognizing that effective procurement can drive economic growth. By 2029, the plan aims to establish national registries for robotic surgery data and develop telesurgery networks, laying the groundwork for widespread robotics adoption.
Implementation Considerations
For the plan to succeed, practical challenges must be addressed, including:
- Developing evaluation frameworks for assessing the complex benefits of robotics.
- Ensuring procurement teams understand the long-term value of innovations.
- Fostering a culture that embraces collaboration and innovation.
Next Steps for Transformation
Both NHS trusts and robotics companies need to adapt their strategies. NHS trusts should leverage Innovation Zones to experiment with collaborative models, while robotics companies must navigate the shift towards outcome-based commissioning.
Conclusion
The NHS 10-Year Health Plan offers a unique chance to reverse the trend of healthcare innovation leaving the UK. By aligning procurement practices with the need for long-term economic benefits, the NHS can ensure that groundbreaking innovations are available to patients at home, rather than abroad.