The Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) publishes a report highlighting the impact of diagnostics and its role in delivering the NHS Long Term Plan

Incorporating technologies such as imaging, radiology, ultrasound, laboratory-based pathology sensors, specimen collection, near-patient biomarker testing and digital data systems, diagnostics are critical to the delivery of modern healthcare. The industry has significant impact, with pathology alone employing 25,000 staff, and the UK performing over 45 million imaging procedures annually.

By setting individuals on the correct treatment pathway, an early diagnosis can significantly increase the chances of a positive outcome, as well avoiding inappropriate treatment and costs. The technologies also play an important role in a patient’s ongoing care programme, enabling continuous monitoring and self-management.

With demographic shifts demanding a radical change in how we approach healthcare, there has, arguably, never been a more important time for healthcare systems to invest in such technologies. 

In the NHS Long Term Plan, the NHS has outlined its commitment to prevention, and diagnostic technologies will be key to realising its aims. However, the sector must be afforded the appropriate levels of investment and support if it is to further improve patient outcomes and bring important cost-savings to the NHS.

With this in mind, ABHI, in conjunction with its members and wider industry network, have developed a series of recommendations to enable better diagnostic uptake. Utilising case studies of diagnostic technologies that, if widely adopted, could have a significant impact on patient outcomes and NHS efficiency, the report calls for a Diagnostics Working Party to drive the development of a holistic strategy. Such a strategy should ensure that the use of diagnostic technology is considered across the entirety of patient pathways and support the use of data to improve outcomes, system efficiency and effectiveness.

When we consider the wider HealthTech industry, and the thousands of diagnostic technologies within it, these products and services have the ability to revolutionise the way that care is delivered and equip the NHS with the tools that will ensure its sustainability. ABHI, along with its members, look forward to reporting on how this important piece of work develops.

Read the full report here.