It is essential that any digital health technologies undergo proper assessment. This ensures they meet quality standards and are safe for use, especially within the NHS or social care settings.
This is where the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) comes in. Developed by the NHS, the DTAC assessment is used to evaluate the quality, safety, effectiveness, and suitability of digital technologies.
Learn more about the basics of DTAC, and how you can meet the criteria within your healthcare organisation.
What is DTAC?
TheDigital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) was officially launched in 2021 by the NHS. Its primary purpose is to perform an initial vetting exercise on digital health technology vendors across several compliance areas.
It acts as a centrally developed guide for healthcare organisations in the UK, ensuring that healthcare technologies meet stringent reliability and safety standards before implementation. By providing a structured approach to technology assessment, DTAC aims to provide confidence to NHS stakeholders, staff members, and patients.
Now, technology vendors must meet these criteria before they can be considered for procurement or even a pilot project. This means that failing to comply with these standards could prevent vendors from being selected for procurement.
DTAC Compliance: What You Need to Know
To be DTAC compliant, you must meet standards set out in the officialNHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria.
Reviewing these standards is essential to assess if your digital health technology aligns with the criteria or requires adjustments.
The AbedGraham Group specialises in healthcare technology and can assist you in completing all necessary criteria. Reach out to us, and we'll guide you through the process seamlessly.
What Does a DTAC Assessment Cover?
The DTAC assessment covers each of the following criteria. In order to pass the DTAC assessment, you need to meet all requirements in each of these core areas:
Clinical Safety
Ensuring clinical safety is paramount when introducing digital health products into healthcare settings. Developers must adhere to NHS standards, such as DCB 0129 and DCB 0160.
To meet DCB 0129, suppliers must conduct thorough clinical risk management exercises and implement an effective Clinical Risk Management System overseen by a Clinical Safety Officer (CSO). At AbedGraham, we offer CSO services and guidance on meeting compliance standards.
Data protection
Ensuring patient information safety is vital for digital health technologies. In order to do this, suppliers must comply with NHS data protection standards and UK-GDPR.Compliance involves proving UK-GDPR adherence, conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA), registering with the ICO, and appointing a Data Protection Officer. Additionally, adherence to the Data Security and Protection Toolkit is required.
Technical Security
Technical Security is important for digital technologies. It ensures stability, robustness, and adherence to cybersecurity best practices.
Interoperability Criteria
The DTAC also assesses product interoperability. This section guarantees accurate, rapid, and secure data transmission to NHS systems, while maintaining adherence to specified security standards and personal health data standards.
Usability & Accessibility
Usability and accessibility are key considerations for digital health technologies, ensuring they are user-friendly and inclusive.The DTAC evaluates products based on conformity with usability and accessibility standards set out by the NHS. Conducting a User Journey Map is an important aspect of complying in this area of the assessment.
Value Proposition
This is considered a ‘non-assessed section’. It is recommended to include evidence of utility, value, proposed benefits, and user journeys here. Including this information helps give a better understanding of what your digital technology promises (or expects) to deliver.
How Can We Help With Your NHS DTAC Assessment?
At the AbedGraham Group, we can assist vendors of any size in navigating the complexities of healthcare compliance standards and ensuring ongoing quality.
We have undertaken DTAC compliance work for companies across the full spectrum of healthcare, and can help with all parts of the assessment.
Our rapid, cost-effective 'DTAC Gap-Analysis Service' allows vendors of any compliance level to see where their DTAC compliance stands. Find out more about how we can support your organisation to effectively complete the outstanding areas of your DTAC submission, including:
Value Proposition – Our extensive benefits realisation expertise can be included here.
Clinical Safety – As one of the longest serving providers ofDCB0129 services in the UK, we can manage all aspects of this area on your behalf. Data Protection – Our experience in data protection allows us to answer anyDSP Toolkit or DPIA questions you may have.
Technical, Interoperability, and Key Principles for Success – Our extensive client work has given us an unrivalled ability to manage any vendor through the suite of technical and user questions provided.