DrDoctor awarded an extension on the NHS England ITP programme

DrDoctor, a digital tool to help patients view, change and schedule appointments, has been awarded an extension on the NHS England Innovation and Technology Payment (ITP) programme for a second year.

The ITP programme was set up by NHS England to accelerate the adoption and spread of innovation that fits the criteria set out in the NHS Long term plan. The aim of the ITP is to minimise financial and procurement barriers for Trusts to enable the NHS to adopt innovative medical devices, diagnostics, and digital products at scale.

The ITP programme builds on the Innovation and Technology Tariff (ITT) and is designed to support cost effective medical devices, digital platforms and technology to improve patient care, deliver savings and maximise learning that can be used to foster culture change.

The ITP programme is a competitive process available for innovative technologies that have already proved their clinical effectiveness and are ready for nationwide spread. The delivery of the programme is supported by the Academic Health Science Network.

To be selected for the ITP, solutions needed to meet the following criteria:

• NICE support (through a Medtech Innovation Briefing or Guidance)
• Positive in-year return on investment
• Use in at least three NHS organisations

DrDoctor was initially part of the ITP programme in 18/19, allocating the funds out to several NHS Trusts to procure digital transformation projects. These include the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Great Western Hospital, and Mid-Essex Hospital Services. The support of NHS England through the ITP for a second year running means that DrDoctor are able to increase the adoption of their digital solution even further, in a real-world setting across boundaries and geographies.

Peter Hansell, Associate Director, DrDoctor states: “Delighted to be part of the ITP programme for a second year. Last year's funding was vital in enabling a number of Trusts to move forward with their digital outpatient ambitions and we look forward to pushing the boundaries of that further”

DrDoctor is working together with the AHSNs to identify NHS Trusts to collaborate with, and now invite interested Trusts to come forward and apply for the available ITP funds for bespoke digital transformation projects.