Digital pathways tools guidance and next steps for 2024/25

National support offer is being enhanced to enable ICBs to take advantage of the available funding to support uplifted digital tools (in line with the Modern General Practice model (MGP) throughout 2024/25.

The approach for 2024/25 is to align the selection, buying and reimbursement of products with the new standards and capabilities that support MGP as detailed in annexe A. These capabilities will cover digital pathways tools and the expanded scope to include demand and capacity management tools. This aligns with the existing process and the requirements of the GPIT operating model and ensures that ICBs can use products with a richer functionality set to deliver MGP locally.

ICBs must engage with the NHSE National Commercial and Procurement Hub to ensure that only products meeting the required capabilities (see annex A) are in place and/or purchased. Contracts can move to new frameworks as they become available.

Existing call offs can be extended so use of products already procured from the DFOCVC framework can continue post the framework expiry date of 31 March 24. ICBs will also be supported to buy through other routes for example G cloud and buying directly from suppliers.

Existing ICB reimbursements agreed in 2023/24 can continue until contract expiry date or new buying.

Funding can continue to be drawn down for reimbursement for existing contracts by continuing to send invoices to the NHSE National Commercial and Procurement Hub as the 2023/24 process to receive monthly funding allocation reimbursement.

For new buying, ICBs can apply for reimbursement drawn down in line with the criteria and process set out on these slides and the additional detail set out in the buyer's guide. All new requests for funding must be agreed via the hub prior to contract agreement. 

ICBs should work with PCNs/practices to ensure that requests for specific products and capabilities are given due consideration to achieve a collaborative decision on a choice of solutions aligned to local digital strategies.

Where ICB-wide procurements are implemented, ICBs must be able to demonstrate assurance that collaborative engagement/activity has taken place with PCNs/practices.

Regions will provide support to ICBs to ensure practices have the tools they need to support the transition to the Modern General Practice model and enabling participation in General Practice Improvement Programme offers.

The NHSE National Commercial and Procurement Hub will continue to provide enhanced advice and support – reviewing local digital strategies; ensuring products selected by ICBs meet the required standards; and ensuring PCNs and practices requests for specific products and capabilities are given due consideration by ICBs in their decision making. Please continue to engage the Hub for all applications to use PCARP Digital Tools funding for procurements/extensions of DP tools and support in planning at [email protected].

As new frameworks become available over the course of 2024/25 providing a route to procure these products, contracts must move to new call off terms. This will either be the Primary Care Support Solutions (PCSS) or the Digital Pathways Framework.