Guidance

Quality improvement statement 11: New technology and innovation

Quality improvement statement 11: New technology and innovation

Statement

Trusts regularly review evidence-based assessments of new technology and other innovations to minimise harm from HCAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

What does this mean for people visiting, or receiving treatment in, hospitals?

People visiting, or receiving treatment in, hospitals can expect the trust to assess relevant new technologies and innovation to help improve the quality of care and practice to prevent, and reduce the harm from, infection.

What does it mean for trust boards?

Boards routinely identify technology needs relevant to HCAI prevention and control and assess the potential of new technologies and innovation to meet those needs. Where new technologies and methods are identified, they are evaluated and implemented, as appropriate.

Evidence of achievement

1. Evidence that a mechanism is in place to undertake a regular gap analysis of technology needs relevant to infection prevention and control.

2. Evidence that information on relevant new technologies and innovation is disseminated to directorates, along with guidance on evaluation and implementation.

3. Evidence of a mechanism to assess the evidence base underpinning technology and innovation in reducing HCAIs. This includes evidence that, where relevant, new technology, innovation and practice is incorporated into policies and procedures.

4. Evidence of local arrangements to help individuals or clinical teams conduct relevant research (for example, translational research) to prevent or reduce the harm from HCAIs. This could include evidence that arrangements have been made with academic centres, or that trust-based preventive interventions have been assessed internally.

Practical examples

  • Programme in place to consider current research activity and developments in HCAI innovation and technology.

  • Mechanism is in place to support people who wish to conduct research into quality improvement methodology, behavioural sciences or other areas to improve the way HCAIs are prevented or controlled.

  • Regular gap analyses carried out in relation to infection prevention and control.

  • Relevant gaps in technology identified and communicated to appropriate research and funding bodies.

Health and Social Care Act code of practice

No relevant criteria identified.

Relevant national data indicators

None identified.