SBRI Healthcare and AHSNs Support Novel Technologies that Aim to Revolutionise General Practice

The Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) are supporting the development of novel technologies for primary care as part of the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare programme. The competition, which recognises the current pressures in primary care, was led by the Eastern, South West and West of England AHSNs.

In total, 22 companies were chosen to share £2.1 million investment to start testing the feasibility of new innovations that have the potential to revolutionise general practice.

Following extensive consultation with primary care associations, managers and clinicians, three areas within general practice were identified as being in need of innovation. 11 of the winning ideas will support patients to care for themselves; six will improve workload management; and five will provide additional diagnostic capability within general practice.

Dr Peter Brindle, Commissioning Evidence Informed Care Lead for the West of England AHSN, who was involved in shaping the call’s brief and a member of the reviewing panel commented: “90% of patient contacts happen in general practice, so improvements to the quality and efficiency in primary care can have a massive effect on the rest of the system. The SBRI GP of the Future award has identified some excellent ideas to help tackle major issues around patient self-care, practice workload and diagnostics.”

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “General practice has always been a trail blazer for adopting new innovations in our daily practice. At a time when our profession is under intense resource and workforce pressures, it is important that we continue to encourage and support new ideas that can benefit the care we deliver to patients, and make life that little bit easier for healthcare professionals right across the NHS.”

Dr Liz Mear, Chair of the AHSN Network, commented: “Through the SBRI Healthcare programme, the AHSN Network is working with industry partners to develop solutions that will help deliver improved general practice services to a growing population, and ensure patients across the country benefit from new and innovative technologies.”

The 22 innovations have been selected for their potential to improve patient outcomes and deliver value to the health and care system. The companies will be fully funded to demonstrate the technical feasibility of their proposed concept for six months.

The successful companies (and supporting AHSNs) each receiving up to £100,000 are:

Self-care