CONTRACT NOTICE – NATIONAL

1 Authority Details

1.1

Authority Name and Address

1.2

Address from which documentation may be obtained

1.3

Completed documents must be returned to:

2 Contract Details

2.1

Title

Simulation Technology for Healthcare Training SBRI Challenge

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

Pre Covid-19 Tracheostomy training was delivered through a combination of online education and face-to-face simulation training; however, the latter has become increasingly difficult in the current climate due to the challenges of social distancing, lack of training facilities and the need for self-isolation. As a result, NHS staff have had reduced access to this necessary training which is needed to maintain their clinical competencies and to ensure the best care of patients with tracheostomies.

The problem is currently occurring in every Health Board within NHS Wales and across the UK. Even prior to the challenges described above, access to training has been variable and of differing standards. Previously training has been delivered on a 1:1 basis using very low fidelity simulation involving a basic mannequin, which has no resemblance to the clinical environment.

We have attempted to deliver simulation training via online platforms but with very limited success due to the challenges of interacting and the inability to get ‘hands-on’ experience. As such this has now ceased as it was deemed not effective and the need for future fit training has been recognised that takes advantage of emerging digital and technology advancements.

Whilst the first phase of this challenge would initially be focused on Tracheostomy training there is potential for the application of the innovation to be used in many other areas, including basic, intermediate, and advanced life support. Furthermore, the technology could be used for specific simulation training across all specialities across all Health Boards.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=110082.

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

2.4

Total quantity or scope of tender

This challenge is reacting to an unprecedented global pandemic. A rapid Phase 1 SBRI will identify solutions for further development. Subsequent activity will support selected solutions through next phases and explore the potential to expand the scope of the challenge to other areas of training need across the NHS.

We are looking to identify and demonstrate rapid simulation technology solutions in an operational environment, solutions must be suitable for rapid deployment and for successful solutions we envisage full accreditation to be in place ready for ‘real world’ deployment by no later than October 2021.

As an example of the way in which the use of simulation training could be expanded following the competition, the Critical Care team has identified common procedures and scenarios they would prioritise once this capability is available to them.

A successful outcome would:

• Deliver Tracheostomy training in an appropriate safe way.

• Make the training experience as close as possible to the bedside experience, providing a real sense of the actual environment.

• Reduce the need for face-to-face training.

• Deliver training in a more convenient method, without time or location restrictions, increasing numbers being trained and reducing any backlogs.

• Enable consistency of training provided across all Health Boards, including the recording, review and analysis of training procedures

• Enable the clinician to maintain clinical competencies and any revalidation requirements.

• Have a wider applicability to address similar issues in other specialities.

• Ensure patient safety was maintained through providing relevant training to clinicians.

• Generate opportunities for local businesses (e.g. creative industry sector)

• Support place based economic development and local wealth building in the CCR

• Result in innovative new products and services which have a pathway to rapid scaling commercially beyond local markets

Innovations must be suitable for rapid deployment in Tracheostomy Training for Phase 1 and any solution must have wider applicability to other clinical settings.

We need ideas that can be rapidly developed and tested with potential to be scaled and used across Wales and beyond over the coming months.

3 Conditions for Participation

3.1

Minimum standards and qualification required

4 Administrative Information

4.1

Type of Procedure

Single stage

4.2

Reference number attributed to the notice by the contracting authority

N/a

4.3

Time Limits

4.5

Language or languages in which tenders or requests to participate can be drawn up

4.6

Tender Submission Postbox

5 Other Information

5.1

Additional Information

See Attachments

(WA Ref:110082)

The buyer considers that this contract is suitable for consortia bidding.

5.2

Additional Documentation

5.3

Publication date of this notice