Regulation can be a complex topic to navigate, but it’s important that digital health technology meets NHS requirements for clinical safety, data protection, accessibility, and much more.

In this blog, Rachael Forbister, Digital Transformation Programme Manager at the AHSN NENC, simplifies what is digital regulation and invites peers working in primary care from across the region to join our lunch and learn webinar on Thursday 9th March. During the webinar you’ll hear from Rachael and Dr Jonathan Harness, Gateshead GP and Chief Clinical Information Officer (CCIO) for NENC Integrated Care Board.

Regulation can be a complex area to navigate and changes over time, but it is really important in the NHS to make sure the systems we buy are safe for staff and patients. It’s vital that we work to agreed standards that improve outcomes for patients, but how do we do this in a way that doesn’t stifle innovation? This is just one of the questions we’ll be exploring in our upcoming webinar.

DTAC – what’s it all about?

Are you involved in the purchase of digital technology? How do you know the digital technology you are using is safe?

Helping the NHS to bring together legislation and best practice together, the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) was launched in 2021. The DTAC ensures digital products meet NHS standards in:

  • Clinical safety
  • Data protection
  • Technical security
  • Interoperability
  • Usability
  • Accessibility.

Whilst it is not currently mandatory,  DTAC aims to help the buyers to assess products quickly and consistently. Digital health suppliers should consider the legislative requirements in any build.

Primary care can be challenging with so many individual businesses providing different solutions. To support you, during this lunch and learn session we’ll be sharing information about DTAC and providing some top tips to help you ensure you are buying the right products and how to spot the ones that are safe to use.

When purchasing a new digital product, you should think about:

  • How easy is it to use?
  • Are you satisfied with the quality?
  • Is it secure?
  • Is it time saving?
  • Is there a procurement framework available?
  • Does it need to be interoperable?
  • Does it meet the digital service standards?
  • Does it address the challenge you are trying to overcome?
  • What training is included?
  • Do you have a champion who can support the adoption?
  • Is the system inclusive to ensure accessibility?

Here at the AHSN NENC, we support suppliers, the NHS and social care with the adoption of innovation. We support by delivering education sessions on regulation as well as one-to-one support. We advise keeping to the guiding principles at the heart of any procurement including the; user need; privacy and security; interoperability and openness and digital inclusion.

Join our lunch and learn webinar

Grab a cuppa and find out more about how regulation in primary care is really important.  In particular, what DTAC is and why its so important that any digital solution you purchase is compliant with regulations.

Regulation is everyone’s business. Look forward to seeing you there.

If you work in primary care in the North East and North Cumbria, register now to join our webinar on Thursday, 9th March at 12:30pm.

If you’re an innovator or healthcare professional and would like to find out how the AHSN NENC can support you with digital regulation please contact Rachael Forbister.