Examination Initiated on Stoma and Incontinence Commodity Distribution Agreements
NHS England's review of the supply of stoma and continence products aims to optimise product use, improve patient outcomes, and ensure financial sustainability. The review, which covers products listed on Part IX of the Drug Tariff, focuses on formularies and guidance aimed at appropriate product choice and cost control [1].
The review emphasises formulary management, a strategy that helps reduce unnecessary costs and wastage while ensuring patients receive appropriate devices best suited to their individual needs [2]. This approach contributes to personalised patient care and improves the quality of care.
However, the review does not explicitly mention nurse sponsorship or conflicts of interest related to product supply. Instead, it seems NHS England is addressing these concerns indirectly through formulary controls and transparency initiatives [1].
Senior officials within the Department of Health and Social Care have been alleging for some years that sponsored nurses tend to favour dispensing products supplied by their sponsors [3]. These allegations suggest that sponsored nurses may not be offering an equal range of products to patients.
The Request for Information (RFI) issued by NHSE specifically references nurse sponsorship, support partnership, and prescription management services [3]. The RFI is related to the 2023 consultation on Part IX of the Drug Tariff, which included a call for evidence on nurse sponsorship to understand potential conflicts of interest.
The Code of Practice, a regulation within the industry, may be enforced to ensure fairness in the prescription and supply of stoma and continence products [4]. This potential solution is said to prohibit such behaviour and could potentially prevent sponsored nurses from favouring products supplied by their sponsors [4].
Industry sources and political consultant Chris Whitehouse, an expert on medical technology policy and regulation, have referenced the Code of Practice as a potential solution to the issues regarding nurse sponsorship [4].
Despite the allegations, NHSE and DHSC are working to find a solution to address the concerns regarding nurse sponsorship [3]. The review undertaken by NHSE concerns the processes and commercial models supporting the prescribing and supply of stoma and continence products listed on Part IX of the Drug Tariff.
References:
[1] NHS England. (2022). Stoma and Continence Care Review. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/service-and-policy/stoma-and-continence-care-review/
[2] NHS England. (2022). Formulary Management. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/service-and-policy/formulary-management/
[3] Department of Health and Social Care. (2023). Consultation on Part IX of the Drug Tariff. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/part-ix-of-the-drug-tariff-consultation
[4] Whitehouse, C. (2022). Code of Practice: Ensuring Fairness in Stoma and Continence Product Prescription and Supply. Whitehouse Communications. Retrieved from https://whitehousecomms.com/code-of-practice-ensuring-fairness-in-stoma-and-continence-product-prescription-and-supply/
- By focusing on formulary management, NHS England's review seeks to optimize the use of stoma and continence products, improve patient outcomes, and ensure financial sustainability, while providing personalized patient care.
- The review highlights the importance of appropriate product choice and cost control, covering products listed on Part IX of the Drug Tariff.
- Allegations have been made for years that sponsored nurses may not offer an equal range of products due to potential conflicts of interest, a concern NHSE and DHSC are working to address.
- To combat these concerns, the Code of Practice in the industry may be enforced, prohibiting behaviour that could lead to sponsored nurses favouring products supplied by their sponsors.
- In response to the issue of nurse sponsorship, NHSE has issued a Request for Information (RFI) and is currently reviewing the processes and commercial models supporting the prescribing and supply of stoma and continence products listed on Part IX of the Drug Tariff.
