A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions: update of Medical Research Council guidance

A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions: update of Medical Research Council guidance
BMJ 2021; 374 doi:n2061 30 September 2021 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n2061 

•  A framework for researchers and research funders on developing and evaluating complex interventions originally published by the UK Medical Research Council in 2000 and revised in 2006 has been updated. The framework divides complex intervention research into four phases: development or identification of the intervention, feasibility, evaluation, and implementation. Each phase has a common set of core elements—considering context, developing and refining programme theory, engaging stakeholders, identifying key uncertainties, refining the intervention, and economic considerations.
• See the new framework here.

Good Machine Learning Practice for Medical Device Development: Guiding Principles

Good Machine Learning Practice for Medical Device Development: Guiding Principles
MHRA 27 October 2021

• Ten guiding principles that can inform the development of Good Machine Learning Practice (GMLP). These guiding principles will help promote safe, effective and high-quality medical devices that use artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).
• Press release: UK, USA and Canadian regulators identify 10 guiding principles to be addressed when medical devices use AI or machine learning software - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Ethical considerations in the use of Machine Learning for research and statistics

Ethical considerations in the use of Machine Learning for research and statistics
UK Statistics Authority 26 October 2021

• This high-level guidance explores ethical considerations associated with the use of machine learning techniques for research and statistical purposes. This guidance is not exhaustive, but aims to assist and support analysts, researchers, data scientists, and statisticians navigating the ethical issues surrounding machine learning based projects. Links to further resources are provided if you would like to read about particular aspects in more detail.

NHS Digital Data Security and Protection Toolkit

Data Security and Protection Toolkit
NHS Digital updated 21 October 2021

• The Data Security and Protection Toolkit is an online self-assessment tool that allows organisations to measure their performance against the National Data Guardian’s 10 data security standards. All organisations that have access to NHS patient data and systems must use this toolkit to provide assurance that they are practising good data security and that personal information is handled correctly.
• · Part of NHS Digital Cyber and data security services and resources

Regional Scale Programme and National Innovation Collaborative - technologies that enable remote monitoring

Evaluation of the Regional Scale Programme and the National Innovation Collaborative
NHSX 21 October 2021

• The Regional Scale Programme (RSP) is leading work across England to accelerate the deployment of new care pathways supported by technologies that enable remote monitoring. The RSP is supported by the National Innovation Collaborative (NIC). This is a programme of support that aims to enable collaboration and, in turn, the rapid sharing of learning and best practice in digital transformation across the NHS and care system. This evaluation was carried out by Ipsos MORI, working in partnership with the Strategy Unit. 
• Key findings describe self-reported digital maturity levels; levels of adoption; tools for successful implementation; barriers to delivery; effects of regional devolution; awareness of available support; short term benefits and future plans and risks.

Contextual inquiry - how to do it

Contextual inquiry [Guidance]
UK Health Security Agency 19 October 2021

• How to use a contextual inquiry when developing a digital health product. Contextual inquiry investigates how potential users interact with their natural environment rather than just focusing on the digital product. Contextual inquiry involves in-depth granular exploration of a small sample of people.
• Part of the Evaluating digital health products collection

Face coverings during COVID-19

Contents:

• The science
• How to make/use a face mask
• Government policies

Is risk stratification likely to improve the use of NHS resources?

Is risk stratification likely to improve the use of NHS resources?
The Strategy Unit 13 October 2021

• Risk prediction tools are ubiquitous in healthcare. Published risk prediction tools are usually reported to have good performance statistics but with little guidance on how to commission such tools. Despite their reported performance, there is a paucity of evidence on the extent to which risk prediction tools work in practice and save money. We offer a simple framework for evaluating the plausibility of success at the design stage.

COP26 Special report on Climage Change and health

COP26 Special Report on Climate Change and Health
WHO 11 October 2021

• The 10 recommendations in the COP26 Special Report on Climate Change and Health propose a set of priority actions from the global health community to governments and policy makers, calling on them to act with urgency on the current climate and health crises.

Integration in action: tackling the elective backlog

Integration in action: tackling the elective backlog
NHS Confederation 7 October 2021

• This report provides some early examples of how local systems are addressing this challenge. Based on interviews with healthcare leaders, it details how integrated approaches are enabling rapid improvement and innovation in service delivery. This includes using population health data to pinpoint people who may suffer more from waiting; using clinical harm tools to pinpoint those on the list who are deteriorating; and proactively seeking out people who may need treatment.