The GP IT Futures Framework Agreement: What You Need to Know

The UK National Health Service (NHS) relies on technology to provide high-quality healthcare services to its citizens. To ensure that the NHS has access to the latest and most innovative technologies, the government has put in place various agreements, including the GP IT Futures Framework Agreement.

So, what is the GP IT Futures Framework Agreement?

The GP IT Futures Framework Agreement is a procurement framework that has been designed to make it easier for GP practices in England to purchase IT systems and services. The framework was introduced in January 2019 and has replaced the previous GP Systems of Choice (GPSoC) framework.

The GP IT Futures Framework Agreement provides a range of IT services to GP practices, including: electronic patient record systems, appointment booking and cancellation services, clinical decision support tools, and patient-facing digital services.

One key aim of the framework is to encourage the development of innovative technologies that can help to transform the delivery of healthcare services. This is achieved by providing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to bid for contracts, as well as encouraging collaboration between different providers.

What are the benefits of the GP IT Futures Framework Agreement?

The GP IT Futures Framework Agreement offers several benefits to both GP practices and patients. These include:

1. Improved access to innovative technologies: The framework encourages the development of new and innovative technologies that can improve patient care and the efficiency of healthcare services.

2. Better value for money: The framework is designed to provide value for money by allowing GP practices to purchase IT systems and services at competitive prices. This means that practices can invest in the latest technologies without breaking the bank.

3. Faster procurement times: The procurement process is streamlined, making it quicker and easier for GP practices to purchase IT systems and services.

4. Enhanced security: The framework includes stringent security requirements, ensuring that patient data is handled safely and securely.

How does the GP IT Futures Framework Agreement work?

The GP IT Futures Framework Agreement is divided into three lots, each of which covers different IT services. GP practices can choose which lot(s) they want to use, depending on their specific needs.

Lot 1 covers core IT systems, such as electronic patient record systems and appointment booking systems. Lot 2 covers additional IT systems, including clinical decision support tools and patient-facing digital services. Finally, lot 3 covers interoperability services, which ensure that different IT systems used by GP practices can communicate with each other.

To access the GP IT Framework Agreement, GP practices can either use a direct award mechanism or run a mini-competition between suppliers.

In conclusion, the GP IT Futures Framework Agreement is an important procurement framework that has been designed to make it easier for GP practices to purchase IT systems and services that can improve patient care and the efficiency of healthcare services. By providing better access to innovative technologies, value for money, faster procurement times, and enhanced security measures, the framework is set to transform the way in which healthcare services are delivered in the UK.