The NHS Innovation and Technology Payment (ITP) 2019/20 programme went live on 1 April 2019, and builds on the Innovation and Technology Tariff (ITT) and ITP 2018/19.
Delivered in partnership with the Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs), the ITP aims to remove barriers to the spread and adoption of innovative products or technologies (medical devices, digital platforms and technologies), and the need for multiple price negotiations.
The ITP builds on the recommendations of the Accelerated Access Review (AAR) by offering routes and support for new innovations and technologies that can make a real difference to patient care and outcomes. The programme forms part of a wider set of activities to support innovation in the NHS, led by NHS England with the AHSN Network.
The innovations offered through the ITP are:
Endocuff Vision®
A new type of bowel scope that improves colorectal examination for patients undergoing bowel cancer screening. For every 1000 patients treated it is estimated that 6 cases of cancer could be avoided through the use of this device. Read more.
Heartflow®
Advanced image analysis software that creates a 3D model of the coronary arteries and analyses the impact that blockages have on blood flow to rapidly diagnose patients with suspected Coronary Heart Disease (CAD). Its use may avoid the need for invasive investigations and provide a cost saving of £214 per patient. Recommended by NICE. Read more.
Ethicon Plus Antibacterial Sutures
A new type of surgical suture that reduces the rate of Surgical Site Infection (SSI), such as MRSA, through the use of antimicrobial suture packs. Read more.
SecurAcath
A device to secure catheters that is associated with a low incidence of catheter-associated complications, improved stability and reduced infection risk for patients with a peripherally inserted central catheter. The device has the potential for cost savings from a reduction in the time taken during dressing changes. Recommended by NICE. Read more.
SpaceOARTM Hydrogel
This innovation aims to reduce the side effects for men undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer. SpaceOAR is a gel which is injected into the space between the prostate and rectum to increase the space between these two organs by around 1cm. Creating this space makes it less likely that the rectum is exposed to radiation during cancer treatment. Read more here.
gammaCore™
This is a handheld, patient-controlled, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator. It is used for preventing and treating cluster headaches. Read more here.
Placental growth factor (PIGF) based testing
PlGF-based testing can be used with clinical judgement and other diagnostic tests to help diagnose suspected pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a condition that affects some pregnant women, usually during the second half of pregnancy. It causes high blood pressure and protein in the urine and, if not diagnosed and closely monitored, it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Read more here.
High-sensitivity troponin testing
High sensitivity troponin assays have been developed to detect lower levels of troponin in the blood earlier than older standard assays, leading to improved early detection of acute heart attacks. Read more here.