Nelson Advisors NHS Market Research and Analysis for Future Health Intelligence

Exec Summary
The Nelson Advisors team examines a range of high potential market segments in the UK for Future Health Intelligence including:
1. Virtual Care – From Hype to Reality
2. Patient Engagement Platforms – Rebuilding Trust in the NHS
3. Population Health – from Reactive Care to Proactive Prevention
4. Digital Therapeutics – looking forward to a year of growth
5. AI in Clinical Imaging – shaping the future of healthcare
6. Electronic Bed and Capacity Management Systems - crucial support for an NHS under pressure
7. Shared Care Records - a time of transition and expansion
8. Medical Device Cyber Security - managing the growth in connected devices

Nelson Advisors NHS Market Analysis
Future Health Intelligence is the only data and research business dedicated to helping clients identify and understand market opportunities in the UK health IT and digital health market.
1. Virtual Care – From Hype to Reality
Virtual care holds potential in healthcare delivery, blending innovation with tradition. However, beneath the surface lies complexity. NHS frontline staff, navigating post-COVID challenges, perceive virtual wards as additional digital tasks, amid staffing shortages and mounting hurdles.
2. Patient Engagement Platforms – Rebuilding Trust in the NHS
Patient engagement platforms are gaining momentum with NHS England’s backing. They’re central to the ‘Digital Front Door’ strategy, focusing on patient-facing services, enhancing secondary care, and reducing the strain on frontline services. These platforms address the pandemic-induced disconnect between patients and the NHS.
3. Population Health – from Reactive Care to Proactive Prevention
This report offers a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of population health management and the challenges and opportunities it presents to the NHS. It underscores the importance of proactive approaches to healthcare and the critical role that data and technology will play in shaping the future of healthcare in the UK.
4. Digital Therapeutics – looking forward to a year of growth
The Digital Health Intelligence (DHI) Market Analysis on Digital Therapeutics highlights the transformative impact of evidence-based interventions delivered through devices. In the past year, there has been a significant surge in the adoption of digital therapeutics, especially within the NHS, addressing various healthcare challenges.
5. AI in Clinical Imaging – shaping the future of healthcare
Our analysis of AI in Clinical Imaging reveals a significant NHS commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for improved patient care. The NHS AI Lab, regional networks, and funding initiatives showcase strategic investments in cutting-edge technology.
Real-world examples from leading healthcare providers highlight AI’s tangible benefits, while acknowledging challenges such as data quality and ethical considerations.
Looking ahead, the report anticipates AI’s continued impact on disease detection and patient outcomes, underscoring its promising role in reshaping clinical imaging practices.
6. Electronic Bed and Capacity Management Systems - crucial support for an NHS under pressure
The Digital Health Intelligence (DHI) Market Analysis delves into the realm of Electronic Bed and Capacity Management Systems (eBCMS), shedding light on their key role in supporting an NHS under pressure.
Faced with challenges such as strained resources, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and prolonged waiting times in A&E, the NHS has increasingly embraced eBCMS to enhance patient flow, reduce waiting times, and optimise bed utilisation.
This report explores the trajectory of eBCMS adoption, available funding, notable examples, leading suppliers, and the future landscape
7. Shared Care Records - a time of transition and expansion
This Market Analysis of Shared Care Records (SCRs) reveals a dynamic landscape within the NHS marked by both progress and persistent challenges. While many regions have effectively implemented SCRs, barriers such as interoperability and a focus on planned care hinder widespread adoption.
Funding for the Connecting Care Records (ConCR) programme, vital for sustainability beyond 2025, remains uncertain, although avenues for support from agencies like Innovate UK exist.
Highlighted examples of successful SCR implementations include the Yorkshire and Humber Care Record, Great North Care Record, and One London initiative. Leading suppliers like Graphnet, Oracle Health, Orion Health, and InterSystems offer sophisticated solutions, enhancing data sharing and patient care coordination.
8. Medical Device Cyber Security
The current status of medical device cyber security (MDCS) across NHS England presents a mixed picture. On the one hand NHS England has issued guidance to NHS trusts for the procurement, deployment, and management of connected medical devices, as well as training for secure network segmentation and compliance with the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT).
However, on the other hand, legacy medical devices are a real day-to-day issue. Many NHS trusts rely on older medical devices that do not have robust cyber security features or receive ongoing security updates. In addition, most NHS trusts lack experienced staff and the resources to design and deliver an enhanced MDCS programme.
For example, the rigorous testing of security updates for medical devices is crucial to avoid disrupting critical functionality; delays in patching vulnerabilities leave devices exposed for longer periods and more vulnerable to cyber threats.
Overall, NHS trusts in England are moving in the right direction with MDCS, but challenges remain. Continued efforts are needed to streamline the patching process, address legacy devices, and ensure all hospitals and trusts have the resources to implement effective cybersecurity measures.

Future Health Intelligence:
Future Health Intelligence is the only data and research business dedicated to helping clients identify and understand market opportunities in the UK health IT and digital health market.
Future Health Intelligence is the new name of the former Digital Health Intelligence business and builds on a 10-year track record of providing the most complete, accurate and timely data on software and technology investments across the NHS, matched with contacts data on key decision makers and influencers.
We aim to be the research partner of choice of any supplier trying to understand and track developments and identify opportunities in the complex £4 billion UK health IT market.

Nelson Advisors > HealthTech M&A
Nelson Advisors specialise in mergers, acquisitions and partnerships for Digital Health, HealthTech, Health IT, Healthcare Cybersecurity, Healthcare AI companies based in the UK, Europe and North America. www.nelsonadvisors.co.uk
We work with our clients to assess whether they should 'Build, Buy, Partner or Sell' in order to maximise shareholder value and investment returns. Email lloyd@nelsonadvisors.co.uk
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