Voluntary digital health technology code of conduct announced

The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a new voluntary code of conduct for data-driven health and care technology, which it hopes will develop insights, innovations and decision support tools to improve NHS efficiency, and ensure information is kept secure. The government hopes companies will sign up to the new code as a way of declaring their commitment to best practice, and to acknowledge the aim of the code which is to build partnerships with healthcare providers, staff, patients and industry to give the NHS and wider healthcare system a competitive advantage.
Paramount in the mind of the government is protecting patients’ rights and identities, keeping all data secure, and ensuring the public have confidence and trust in the NHS and the new technology. Within the code there are expectations set applicable to technology suppliers, and there will be formal reviews of regulations and an assessment of commercial models used in all technology partnerships. Best practice is established within the code to raise standards and provides that companies will have to be able to demonstrate accountability and transparency. This is all designed to ensure a safe environment is created for digital health and intelligent algorithms and to guarantee companies and the NHS can demonstrate there are safeguards in place, and systems are trustworthy and approved.