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NHS architecture principles

These NHS Architecture Principles for digital services represent best practice in designing digital architecture. They are designed for use by architects and service designers working for health and social care services in England.

Following these design principles will help you create sustainable, effective, interoperable and cost efficient systems.

Date Published:
22 October 2020

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NHS architecture principles

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Why these principles matter

These principles have been agreed by the enterprise architecture board (EAB). This cross-organisational body helps define how best to use information technology to improve health and social care services in England.

The board ensures system-wide strategic co-ordination across multiple organisations. It sets the NHS architectural principles, patterns, policies and standards that guide and govern those making technical decisions to help them adhere to the strategic aims of the health and care system.

Download the NHS architecture principles

Last edited: 6 February 2024 2:24 pm

Chapters

  1. NHS architecture principles
  2. All digital services need to be delivered sustainably
  3. Put our tools in modern browsers
  4. Internet first
  5. Public cloud first
  6. Build a data layer with registers and APIs
  7. Adopt appropriate cyber security standards
  8. Use platforms
  9. Put user needs first
  10. Interoperability with open data and technology standards
  11. Reuse before buy/build