New technology and innovation
Statement
Trusts regularly review evidence-based assessments of new technology and other innovations to minimise harm from HCAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
What does this mean for people visiting, or receiving treatment in, hospitals?
What does it mean for trust boards?
People visiting, or receiving treatment in, hospitals can expect the trust to assess relevant new technologies and innovation to help improve the quality of care and practice to prevent, and reduce the harm from, infection.
Boards routinely identify technology needs relevant to HCAI prevention and control and assess the potential of new technologies and innovation to meet those needs. Where new technologies and methods are identified, they are evaluated and implemented, as appropriate.
Evidence of achievement
1. Evidence that a mechanism is in place to undertake a regular gap analysis of technology needs relevant to infection prevention and control.
2. Evidence that information on relevant new technologies and innovation is disseminated to directorates, along with guidance on evaluation and implementation.
3. Evidence of a mechanism to assess the evidence base underpinning technology and innovation in reducing HCAIs. This includes evidence that, where relevant, new technology, innovation and practice is incorporated into policies and procedures.
4. Evidence of local arrangements to help individuals or clinical teams conduct relevant research (for example, translational research) to prevent or reduce the harm from HCAIs. This could include evidence that arrangements have been made with academic centres, or that trust-based preventive interventions have been assessed internally.
Practical examples
- Programme in place to consider current research activity and developments in HCAI innovation and technology.
- Mechanism is in place to support people who wish to conduct research into quality improvement methodology, behavioural sciences or other areas to improve the way HCAIs are prevented or controlled.
- Regular gap analyses carried out in relation to infection prevention and control.
- Relevant gaps in technology identified and communicated to appropriate research and funding bodies.
Health and Social Care Act code of practice
- No relevant criteria identified.
Relevant national data indicators
- None identified.
Terms in bold are explained in the glossary.
This page was last updated: 08 November 2011
- Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections quality improvement guide
- Board-level leadership to prevent HCAIs
- Be a learning organisation
- HCAI surveillance
- Workforce capacity and capability
- Environmental cleanliness
- Multi-agency working to reduce HCAI
- Communication
- Admission, discharge and transfer
- Patient and public involvement
- Trust estate management
- New technology and innovation
- Glossary
