Tech Innovation Framework

The Tech Innovation Framework (TIF), part of the Digital Services for Integrated Care suite of frameworks, has been designed to introduce a new set of assured products that are public cloud hosted, browser-based and built around open APIs.

Across the NHS there is a commitment to modernise primary care and reduce burden on practice staff. 

The TIF will deliver the next generation of products to help meet this goal. We will support new and current suppliers alike, as they work with us to provide products which provide innovative solutions to new challenges. 

Through the TIF, we will offer those who use and procure GP IT systems a greater choice of products, which can be scaled up to meet current demands. 

The products will support primary care to work more effectively across Primary Care Networks and Integrated Care Systems, and ultimately provide better care for patients.

Suppliers on this framework will provide a solution which delivers the 6 core functions of an electronic health record, as a minimum: 

• patient information maintenance 
• appointments management 
• recording consultations 
• prescribing 
• referral management 
• resource management 

Suppliers are undertaking user research to ensure they provide all the capabilities necessary for practices to feel confident in switching.

Suppliers will also meet all the standards on the Digital Services for Integrated Care Catalogue, including the Tech Innovation Standard.

Suppliers are targeting delivery by May 2024, with some products available sooner. These will be available via the Buying Catalogue.

Products on the Tech Innovation Framework will offer:

• an internet first approach - solutions that work over the public internet so that they don't need proprietary network connectivity or software and can be accessed from more locations
• public cloud solutions - supplier solutions that use tier one public cloud offerings, rather than those based upon a community, hybrid or private deployment model
• browser based applications - new core solutions that are browser based (we are not excluding Rich Client Applications for specific applications)
• NHS Identity (CIS2) - a single system identity for clinical staff based on open standards
• modern user experience - safe, easy to use systems that enhance the patient and clinician experience built around simplified workflows that meet accessibility standards
• open APIs - the mandated architecture direction for APIs will be via our API-M platform, and all new APIs should be based on FHIRv4
• NHS development guidelines - suppliers to follow the software development guidance laid out in the NHS Digital software engineering quality framework

We are working with a number of GP practices and their ICBs who have committed to being early adopters and will be switching to new GP core clinical systems.

Funding was made available to support those practices embarking on first of type migrations to new clinical systems. These first of type early adopters are influencing the shape of new systems coming into the market to ensure they meet the evolving needs of primary care

Blogs

New choices for GP IT (December 2023)

Shaping the future of technology in general practice (January 2023)

If you would like to consider taking a TIF solution, or you already have an established relationship with any of the TIF suppliers and want to log your interest, then please contact us at g[email protected]. At this time there are no plans to provide additional funding for migrations to TIF suppliers.

We look forward to hearing from you.