Health Management and Policy Alert

Generation genome and the opportunities for screening programmes

Public Health England (PHE) - 
The report briefly defines genome sequencing and how, by improving our understanding of genetic activity, we can determine how best to use genetics in screening.

• Report

Fixing the present, building for the future: newborn screening for rare conditions

Genetic Alliance UK -
This report contains recommendations to adapt decision making to fit rare diseases, to embrace the potential of screening as a rare disease identification system, and to take advantage of developments in technology.

• Report and charter
• Genetic Alliance UK - news

Failures in communication or follow-up of unexpected significant radiological findings

Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch -
This report demonstrates where technology could play a pivotal role in reducing harm caused by failures in communication or follow-up of unexpected significant radiological findings. The investigation also makes three other recommendations in relation to following up unexpected significant radiological findings, to The Royal College of Radiologists, NHS England and NHS Improvement, and the Care Quality Commission.

• Report
• Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch - publications

Driving improvement through technology

Care Quality Commission -
Technology in health and care services is growing in importance. Digitally-enabled care can offer significant benefits to people who use services and those who run and deliver them. These case studies illustrate some of the developments in use and testing.

• Case studies
• Blog
• Care Quality Commission - press release

Improving cyber security in the NHS

Imperial College - 

This white paper from the Institute of Global Health Innovation finds that the NHS remains vulnerable to cyber-attack, and must take urgent steps to defend against threats which could risk the safety of patients. It outlines a number of key measures for NHS trusts to implement in order to increase cyber resilience. These initiatives include employing cyber security professionals in their IT teams, building ‘fire-breaks’ into their systems to allow certain segments to become isolated if infected with a computer virus, and having clear communication systems so staff know where to get help and advice on cyber security.

• White paper
• More detail

Making the right choices: using data-driven technology to transform mental healthcare

Reform - 

This report examines the current landscape of data-driven technologies and their applications in mental health care, highlighting areas where these tools offer the most potential for the NHS and its patients. It discusses what makes mental health different from other areas of health, and the implications this has for the application of data-driven tools. It also examines barriers to implementation, and proposes ways to move forward.

• Report
• More detail

A data-driven approach to cancer care

Reform - 

This publication from the Reformer Thoughts series brings together healthcare experts to discuss the potential of a data-driven approach to cancer care. The articles show how data are currently shaping the delivery of cancer care, how to gain the most from data that are currently available and how to maximise the potential of this data in the future.

• Publication
• More detail

Achieving a digital NHS: lessons for national policy from the acute sector

Nuffield Trust - 

As a new body, NHSX, becomes established to lead national policy for technology, digital and data, and with the Secretary of State firmly behind plans to create a fully digital NHS, this report seeks to understand how national policy for digitisation is working from the perspective of acute trusts. Do digital leaders feel the commitment to digital over the last two decades is helping to move things forward? And what could be done differently to support digitisation on the ground?

• Report
• More detail

 

Untapped potential: investing in health and care data analytics

The Health Foundation - 

This report highlights nine key reasons why there should be more investment in analytical capability. Action and investment is needed across the system so the NHS has the right people with the right tools to interpret and create value from its data. This could result in an NHS that can make faster progress on improving outcomes for patients.

• Report
• More detail

National survey of local innovation and research needs of the NHS

Oxford Academic Health Science Network -
This report includes analysis of the innovation and research needs at local level across all Academic Health Science Networks. There were some differences in regional priorities but common themes emerged which reflected wider challenges facing the NHS and align with the priorities of the NHS Long Term Plan. These include: a need for innovation and research addressing workforce challenges; delivery of mental health services and providing care for patients with mental health needs, particularly in children and young people; integrating services to provide effective care for patients with complex needs – including multimorbidity and frailty; and use of digital and artificial intelligence technology.

• Report
• Oxford Academic Health Science Network - news