NHS England, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the AHSN Network have joined forces to launch an ambitious new programme, connecting digital health innovators with pharmaceutical companies to explore new innovations that could help people living with diabetes.
Launched today (4 October 2018), the Diabetes Hothouse is the first initiative arising from the NHS England and ABPI Priority Delivery Agreement launched earlier this year, which seeks to facilitate faster access of new, evidenced based technology for patients.
The Diabetes Hothouse is calling for innovators with market-ready, digital or digitally-enabled innovations to take part in the programme. Successful innovations, with evidence of strong impact of improving outcomes for people with diabetes will receive support in either funding or clinical expertise so they can spread their solutions across the country.
The digital innovations might be either novel uses of existing technologies or new innovations, and could include software, apps, hybrid technology-service and device-software that support pathway improvement, better diagnosis, or improved management in line with the tailored needs of the patient.
Five pharmaceutical companies are participating in the Diabetes Hothouse and will progress the selected collaboration projects in partnership with NHS England.
Applications are welcomed from companies of all sizes, individuals, NHS teams and charities who are interested in forming collaborations to test the ability of digital solutions to address the triple aims of improving safety, efficiency and patient outcomes.
The innovations must also support existing national diabetes priorities so that patients receive the right care at the right time. These are:
- improving hospital safety
- reducing amputation rates
- improving the three treatment targets, aligned to early intervention
- maternal health
- mental health
The closing date for applications is 5 November 2018. The application form is downloadable from the AHSN Network website.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an event in London on 22 November 2018 to present their proposals to the five pharmaceutical companies, and to explore opportunities around collaboration with colleagues from NHS England and the AHSN Network.
Dr Partha Kar, Associate National Clinical Director for Diabetes, NHS England said:
“Technology is really improving our daily lives and the NHS wants to use its power to improve the lives of patients living with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and women with diabetes. This is a call out for the very best innovations in healthcare which will help NHS patients manage their conditions and, as we look to the future of the NHS, the long term plan will continue to champion world leading technology to improve patient care.”
Colette Goldrick, Director of NHS Engagement at the ABPI said:
“It’s great to see the first initiative under the Diabetes Priority agreement between ABPI and NHS England coming to life, and even better to have on board the added expertise of our partners in the AHSN Network.
“I’m sure that the Diabetes Hothouse process will surface some valuable digital innovations that ABPI members can support to create a triple win – better outcomes for people with diabetes, better use of resources for the NHS, and a positive signal of rapid uptake and spread for the life sciences industry.”
Tara Donnelly, Digital Health Lead for the AHSN Network and Chief Executive of the Health Innovation Network said:
“I am delighted that the AHSN Network is working with the ABPI and NHS England to articulate the needs of people with diabetes. We look forward to hearing from successful innovators and matchmaking them with industry partners so that they can work together to drive improvements in care.”
