PRSB launches new Standards Partnership Scheme for vendors

The Professional Record Standards Body knows that vendors across the UK are committed to delivering interoperability of health and care systems and that conformance with standards is an essential foundation to achieving truly integrated care for people who use services. 

This transformational change comes with big challenges. We understand that vendors working towards this common goal of interoperability may need to draw upon additional tools and clinical knowledge to make it a reality nationwide. That’s why we’ve just launched the Standards Partnership Scheme, to recognise and help vendors across the UK that are implementing professionally endorsed record standards. 

Already we've seen the hard work of vendors paying off, with health and social care organisations reporting benefits for both professionals and people using services wherever standards are implemented. From streamlining processes for professionals to ensuring that individuals can access safer and more personalised support, the work of vendors is proving instrumental in improving frontline care. This new scheme will give vendors the opportunity to collaborate closely with the key  professionals who use standards on the frontline, building on the extremely valuable work they've been doing to date. 

Vendors who join our scheme will be sending a strong signal to customers and stakeholders that they are at the forefront of the drive toward standards and interoperability in the NHS and social care, setting them apart from the competition. ​

Partners will be eligible to take part in our Quality Partnership Scheme to assess compliance with standards and organisational best practice. Participation in the Quality Partnership is a mark of excellence that will ensure vendors stand out in the market as frontrunners in driving integration and interoperability. Quality Partners will also benefit from knowing the scheme has the backing of NHS and social care system leaders, PRSB's membership bodies and TechUK.  ​ 

The scheme offers a wide range of specific, practical support that can be tailored to each organisation’s needs. In addition to workshops, briefings and guidance, we’ll be offering networking opportunities for our partners, as well as the chance to influence and develop future standards and priorities for the PRSB. We’ll also be able to support organisations in accessing responsive advice and guidance on implementing standards, and assess their implementation processes. 

Above all, our scheme is about co-production and mutual learning.  Vendors will improve, local adoption of standards will improve, and the standards themselves will improve as we learn from real experience of implementing – so that they are useful, usable and used.​

Our goal is good care for individuals and there’s no doubt that the delivery of fully interoperable health and care services is integral to that aim - from information about vaccinations right through to complex operations and cancer treatments. Without the necessary information, decisions stall and overall outcomes are poorer for people. We truly believe that now is the time for vendors, clinicians, and social care workers to join forces and adopt standards for a future of better, safer and more integrated health and care. 

Find out more information about the scheme at Standards Partnership Scheme or by contacting [email protected].