Policymakers urged to embrace vision for research-powered NHS
More than ever before, research must be a core part of transformational change for the NHS. That’s the key message in a new report from Wellcome, BIT and Nesta, in collaboration with RAND Europe. It presents a plan for a future-proof NHS driven by research and innovation with a decade.
4-minute read
4-minute read
‘From Research to Reality,’ launched on Tuesday, February 4 in Westminster, outlines key steps needed to put research at the heart of the government's NHS 10 Year Plan - and to turn the health service into a formidable powerhouse for health and economic prosperity.
Research: The missing ‘Fourth Shift’ in government plans
The report identifies a missing fourth shift from government plans: embedding innovation and evidence at the heart of how healthcare works.
There are three fundamental shifts already at the heart of the government’s plans for the future of the NHS: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from sickness to prevention.
This ‘fourth shift’ - from research to reality - would see the health research and innovation landscape move from a traditional research system characterised by delays and inflexibility to one where everyday innovation and learning translates research into better care, at better cost, achieving better outcomes for patients.
Beth Thompson, Executive Director Policy & Partnerships, Wellcome, said: “The 10-year plan presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put research and innovation at the heart of the NHS. For the UK's health and wealth, we can no longer afford research to be seen as a luxury. This will take investment and political commitment, but the health and economic benefits will far outweigh the cost. The NHS of tomorrow is within our grasp, we just need to seize the opportunity today.”
Unlocking Potential
The transformative power of health research is undeniable. From groundbreaking innovations like antibiotics, medical imaging, and keyhole surgery to the rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines, research has consistently driven improvements in patient care and life expectancy.
Health research is also a critical driver of economic growth, recognised as a strategic strength for the UK. The UK BioIndustry Association estimates that the genomics sector alone could be worth £50 billion by 2040.
However, despite the UK’s potential to be world-leading in research and development, it has not been prioritised. Structural barriers are impeding progress, the report urges, listing inflexible systems and fragmented processes and data systems as the key barriers.
Slowing engagement with health research is also seen among the public. Participation in clinical trials is declining, alongside reducing participation in health behaviours such as vaccination and screening for illnesses such as cervical and breast cancer.
“For the UK government to fulfil its vision for health by 2035, research and innovation must become a core function of the healthcare system,” Beth Thompson added.
“With the right level of ambition, this could build an NHS which not only improves our health but also strengthens our economy.”
The ‘From Research to Reality’ report provides an evidence-led approach, case studies, and vital stakeholder insights, including perspectives from both experts and patients.
Making the ‘Fourth Shift’ Possible
To make this possible, the report has outlined five key transformations in how we should put research at the heart of health:
- Moving from patchy patient engagement to citizens being proactively involved in their healthcare and in health research.
- Moving from a culture that stifles innovation to one that fosters and sustains it.
- Moving from isolated pockets of research to research embedded in everyday care.
- Moving from a system limited by rigid bureaucracy to a responsive, streamlined model of innovation.
- Moving from a landscape where innovation often fails to progress past pilot testing to one which ensures widespread adoption and scaling.
The full report can be downloaded on Wellcome’s website. The launch by Wellcome, BIT and Nesta, and RAND Europe marks the start of an ongoing dialogue with health decision-makers and diverse stakeholders, working together to shape the future of a research and innovation-powered NHS in the UK.
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