NHSX Unveils New Assessment Criteria For Digital Health Technologies

NHSX has launched a new process to help give staff, patients and the public confidence that the digital health tools they use meet NHS standards.

The digital technology assessment criteria (DTAC) is a rapid process that can be completed in days. 

It will apply to all digital health technologies, from public facing health apps to systems used within hospitals such as electronic patient records.

The guidance brings together legislation and best practice in five areas. Tools will receive a pass or fail in four categories - clinical safety, data protection, technical security and interoperability - and a score on usability and accessibility.

All parts of the NHS and social care will be encouraged to use the DTAC when considering digital health products.

It is already being used by trusts and systems as they procure products to provide video consultations in secondary care over the coming year. Chosen suppliers must be DTAC assessed to qualify for national funding which supports embedding and spreading of video-consultations.