New collaboration between AHSN Network and NICE looks to strengthen the use of the best evidence-based healthcare in the NHS

The AHSN Network and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have entered into a two-year collaboration agreement to further strengthen the use of the best evidence-based healthcare in the NHS.

NICE promotes health and care excellence within the NHS and other public health and social care services by developing evidence-based guidance and advice. Since the AHSN Network was established in 2013, the two organisations have worked closely to support and accelerate the rate of adoption and spread of evidence-based practice and innovation. 

NICE and the AHSN Network share the common purpose of identifying and accelerating the uptake of well-evidenced innovations into health and care services to improve quality, safety, outcomes and experience, and the effective use of resources. This shared purpose underpins the aim to improve health in the UK, and globally, and to support the UK's reputation as a leader in healthcare innovation. 

This new agreement builds on and formalises previous collaborative working between the two organisations. It draws on the strengths and expertise of both organisations, their networks, and joint priorities to enhance the contribution that they each make for the benefit of patients, the health and care system, and economic growth.

Some joint priorities outlined in the agreement include:

• Supporting the development of Accelerated Access Collaborative’s (AAC) National Innovation Service, which aims to create a single front door for innovators.
• Addressing access challenges for digital and data-driven technologies and innovations.
• Working together to identify priority needs of the NHS to ensure the most effective products and topics are selected.
• Exploring further opportunities to collaborate around adoption and spread and dissemination of innovation to present joined up adoption support approaches and products for our stakeholders.
• Identifying opportunities to promote and share best practices to improve patient safety.

In his dual role, Professor Gary Ford Chair of the AHSN Network, Chief Executive of Oxford AHSN and Non-executive Director for NICE said: 

“This agreement builds on the successes of our past collaborative working and will help us further our work to ensure patients have access to the latest evidence-based technologies, advice and guidance.

“NICE and the Network share a common goal to accelerate the rate of adoption and spread of evidence-based practice and innovation within the NHS, and by working together we can use our combined expertise and experience to improve health at pace and scale.”

Richard Stubbs, Vice Chair of the AHSN Network and Chief Executive of Yorkshire & Humber AHSN said:

“As a Network our aim is to transform lives through innovation. The role NICE play in evidence generation and health and care excellence makes them an ideal partner for us to collaborate and work more closely with to support the spread and adoption of innovative solutions that meet the needs of patients and the health and care system. Nicola Bent Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Innovation Adoption at Wessex AHSN will play a lead role in co-ordinating and building on our relationship on behalf of the Network.”

Professor Gillian Leng, Chief Executive of NICE said:

“By working together more closely we can increase the speed at which innovative new medicines and technologies recommended by NICE can be cascaded through the healthcare system. Our work with the AHSN Network will also ensure we are helping to produce the vital real-world evidence needed to guide the development of NICE recommendations.

“One of the key priorities of our new 5-year strategy is to increase the uptake and use of NICE recommendations across the healthcare system to maximise the impact of our work and ensure everyone has access to the latest innovations. We can best achieve this by working strategically with our key partners such as the AHSN Network, and we’re delighted to announce this new collaboration between our organisations.”