More time to transform learning: Immersive and Simulation Technologies DPS extended

NHS London Procurement Partnership’s Immersive, Simulation and Related Technologies Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) has been extended for a further two years, giving health, care, education and other eligible public sector organisations continued access to an evolving marketplace of immersive and simulation technology providers.

Developed with NHS England, the DPS provides a flexible procurement route to technologies and services that can support innovative approaches to education, training and workforce development. The extension comes as organisations across the NHS consider how workforce skills, education and training will need to evolve to support the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan for England. 

Supporting a workforce ready for change

Delivering new models of health and care requires people to develop new skills and adapt to different technologies, environments and ways of working. Immersive and simulation technologies can provide additional ways to support this development - creating realistic and interactive learning experiences where people can practise skills, experience scenarios and develop capabilities in controlled environments. The DPS supports the direction of the 10 Year Health Plan's transition from analogue to digital by making it easier for organisations to access and scale innovative approaches to education, training and workforce development.

Much more than VR
Immersive learning can take many forms, and the DPS covers far more than virtual reality headsets.

Its eight areas of sub-categories from the overarching Category 1 - Education and Training cover: 

1.1 Part task, skills or procedural training technologies

1.2 Immersive learning hardware

1.3 Software and applications

1.4 Content development

1.5 Public, patient and service-user education

1.6 Research, innovation and evaluation

1.7 Professional services and technical support

1.8 Support equipment and tools for cleaning and maintenance

This means organisations can procure individual technologies or develop broader solutions incorporating hardware, software, content and implementation expertise.

Designed for a changing technology market

One of the key benefits of a Dynamic Purchasing System is its ability to evolve. New suppliers can apply to join throughout the lifetime of the DPS, helping organisations access emerging technologies and innovative providers as the market develops.
For procurement and commercial teams, the DPS also provides an established route to pre-qualified suppliers and allows organisations to run further competitions based on their individual requirements. This flexible structure can be particularly valuable in an emerging market where many innovative solutions are developed by specialist suppliers and SMEs.

Who can use the DPS?

The DPS is available to a broad range of eligible organisations, including NHS trusts and foundation trusts, GP federations, health and social care providers, local authorities and third-sector organisations across the UK.

Start with your challenge, not the technology

Organisations do not need to begin with a predetermined technology. The starting point may simply be a workforce or education challenge: providing more opportunities to practise a particular skill, preparing teams for different models of care, developing engaging patient education or exploring more flexible approaches to training. NHS LPP can help organisations understand how the DPS could support their requirement and navigate the procurement process.

Find out more

To explore the Immersive, Simulation and Related Technologies DPS or discuss a requirement contact our Digital & Technology Solutions team at gstt.cds@nhs.net. You can also:

• View our interactive digital flyer
• Visit the dedicated Immersive, Simulation and Related Technology web page
• Request an access agreement here