Emerging research points to NHS and industry being a successful partnership for patients
The ABPI website highlights that new studies indicate a strong collaboration between the NHS and the industry is beneficial for patients.
October 3, 2024 - News Update from the Press Office
Initial findings suggest that collaborations between the NHS and industry lead to enhanced prescribing practices and improved health results for patients.
In a recent report titled "Partnering for Progress: A Data-Driven Look at NHS and Industry Collaborations," CF (Carnall Farrar) intends to methodically assess how collaborations between the NHS and industry contribute to better patient outcomes by utilizing data sourced from various NHS services.
A study commissioned by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) revealed that hospitals that collaborate with the pharmaceutical industry are up to 2.5 times more likely to adhere to NICE guidelines when it comes to prescribing medications that are both clinically effective and cost-efficient, in contrast to hospitals that do not engage in such partnerships.
Using medications that align more closely with NICE guidelines was linked to improved results for patients in the examined areas of care, resulting in better management of their conditions.
Early signs suggested that collaborations within Primary Care Networks (PCNs) were linked to better management of conditions like blood sugar and blood pressure levels. [1]
This groundbreaking study focused on collaborations aimed at addressing cardiovascular disease, managing cholesterol levels, and tackling diabetes, all of which are key areas of concern for the NHS.
There are several elements that might have played a role in the better results for patients, but the report indicates that collaboration among different teams is one of the key factors that leads to improved patient care in the NHS.
Dr. Amit Aggarwal, the Director of Medical Affairs at the ABPI, stated, “The Health Secretary emphasizes the need to share the top innovations within the NHS across the entire system, and this research indicates that collaborating with the industry is a significant approach to achieving that goal.”
For a long time, leaders in both the industry and the NHS have highlighted numerous successful collaborations that have improved outcomes for patients and the healthcare system. This study offers additional proof that working together with industry partners leads to better results for patients within the NHS.
Across all four nations of the UK, there were successful collaborations between the NHS and the private sector that effectively addressed local health disparities. For instance, a Health Board in Wales achieved a 32 percent reduction in the time it takes to process diagnostic tests for head and neck cancer.
In Scotland, there are pharmacist-led optimization clinics focused on heart failure in the NHS Lothian area. This initiative has resulted in the liberation of 138 specialist heart failure appointment slots every month.
Ben Richardson, the Managing Partner at CF, noted, "There's an increasing interest in collaborations between the industry and the NHS aimed at fostering innovation. Introducing a new medication is just one aspect of the process; achieving real improvements in patient health requires us to tackle broader systemic challenges like identifying patients, ensuring they follow treatment plans, and sharing best practices."
“By utilizing data, technology, and teamwork, collaborations can open up fresh avenues for enhancing healthcare services. It's thrilling to see that we've gathered proof showcasing the promise these partnerships hold.”
The report presents five important suggestions designed to enhance the understanding of how NHS-industry collaborations affect healthcare. It also explores ways to broaden these partnerships in primary care and at both the system and local levels.
At the level of systems and locations:
Updated: October 2, 2024
Most recent review: 02 October 2024
