“The Innovation Dance”: A qualitative study exploring barriers to NHS adoption of new health products in the Liverpool City Region

Patients with healthcare-associated infections have extended hospital stays and higher incidence of infection with antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures engage both staff and patients and may include the use of hygiene products, colonisation resistant materials and surveillance systems and software. IPC is therefore constantly evolving as technologies advance and innovation emerges. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can play a key role in IPC through development of innovative products, but face significant obstacles in bringing their innovations to market, particularly those targeting healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. This report presents findings from a study conducted in 2022 in the Liverpool City Region (LCR) (United Kingdon) , detailing the challenges faced by SMEs in navigating the NHS procurement process that ultimately determine market entry, NHS adoption and downstream patient impact. Through qualitative analysis, key barriers including cost constraints, navigating regulatory process, complex procurement frameworks, limited access to NHS stakeholders, and multifaceted decision-making processes within NHS trusts were identified. Despite these challenges, SMEs remain committed to innovation, driven by the potential for improved patient care and economic benefits. We make recommendations for streamlining support mechanisms, facilitating collaboration, and advocating for policy reforms are proposed to facilitate SMEs' access to the NHS market, enhancing innovation adoption in healthcare and ultimately delivering UK economic benefit from SME-derived innovation assets.