Market access in the fight against infection Urinary tract infections account for 34.6% of hospital acquired infection. The CMO's report Winning Ways, noted that 80% of UTIs were catheter associated. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) have been identified as perhaps the largest institutional reservoir of antibiotic resistant pathogens. The Health Protection Agency has cited research putting deaths from CAUTI-related bacteraemia at between 13-30% . Against that background, JMC Partners worked with Bard Limited to secure market access for an innovative silver alloy coated hydrogel catheter which significantly reduces reduces CAUTIs, recognising that NHS purchasers are notoriously resistant to new technology. This involved a concerted and consistent programme of activity including submission of the product to a Rapid Review Panel set up by the CMO, where it received a rare Recommendation 1. A full listing for the product by the Purchasing and Supplies Agency was secured in September 2005 paving the way for adoption by a significant and growing number of healthcare providers. "Earlier today I announced the first results of the Rapid Review Panel that shows one product that is evaluated highly and is ready for fast-tracking into the referral process." John Reid, Secretary of State for Health, NICE Conference, 1 st December 2004 |
