Telemedicine Tenders
Telemedicine is quickly becoming one of the most attractive market segments in the healthcare industry, providing patients with increased accessibility to health services, while creating new opportunities for service providers.
Even before the pandemic, the United Kingdom was considered to have one of the most established telemedicine markets in terms of regulation, reimbursement and platform usage. Projected growth for the domestic market is expected to reach a revenue of £550.00 million in 2024, and more than £685 million by 2028.
Availability of technologies, such as videoconferencing tools, the Internet of Things (IoT), media streaming and wireless communications are key driving factors for telemedicine, seeing more people accessing these medical services due to convenience and ability to diagnose medical conditions more efficiently.
As demand for these services continues to increase, and more service providers come online, the availability of necessary technologies, both hardware and software will play a crucial role in the coming years to help maintain the omnipresence of telemedicine in the UK market.
Understanding Telemedicine Tenders
Firstly, let’s establish a clear understanding of what is telemedicine in the United Kingdom. One study explains that telemedicine or telehealth is the remote distribution of health-relate services usually through telecommunications system, such as video conferencing or phone calls.
Virtual medical care ensures that people can still receive the necessary healthcare treatment or diagnosis of chronic diseases within a fully remote setting that sees them communicating with a healthcare professional or doctor via telecommunication and accessing other remote clinical services, including medical consultations or medical literature.
From the outside, the premise of telemedicine may seem straightforward, however, various facets help to support a well-functioning telemedicine network. Service providers looking to apply for telemedicine services tenders or telehealth tenders will need to have adequate expertise and experience in both the field of technology and healthcare.
Basic telemedicine procurement requirements typically highlight the importance of having the demonstrated skills and expertise to develop a plan of action that oversees both the technical and medical aspects. This would ensure that service providers have the necessary skills to support the technological requirements of telemedicine, and also can create agile platforms that will be used by medical professionals and patients.
Additionally, telemedicine contracts will have security compliance requirements. This will include a firm understanding of cybersecurity credentials that would ensure sensitive medical information is not exposed or available on public records and remains out of the hands of malicious actors.
Demonstrating Your Telemedicine Capabilities
Applying for telemedicine contracts and procurement opportunities would mean that your business will need to provide a clear demonstration of various capabilities and requirements outlined in the telemedicine tender.
Although each tender opportunity may be different, these are some of the basic capabilities that service buyers will usually look out for:
Technology
Technology is the backbone of telemedicine and ensures that all the various systems can function properly, without any hiccups. As a service provider, you will need to have demonstrated skills in providing reliable software, user-friendly interfaces, and data security, among other things. Each component can have different requirements, however, it’s important to consider telemedicine tender needs.
Clinical Expertise
Experience working with qualified healthcare providers or virtual consultants can help add weight to your tender proposal. Having some exposure to telemedicine projects, including health care, clinical care, child care, and information technology.
Accessibility
When compiling telehealth proposals you will most likely be required to include a forward-looking plan for servicing diverse populations and protocols you will use to overcome digital barriers. It’s important that you highlight your experience with these sorts of accessibility issues, and clearly state what you will do to resolve and alleviate these issues to enhance human services and primary care health outcomes.
Compliance
As with anything, virtual care tenders and telehealth tenders will require service providers to adhere to local and federal regulations and best practices. As a rule of thumb, ensure that you review all of the necessary regulations for telemedicine in the UK before compiling a telehealth proposal. This would ensure that you have all the required licences, certificates and registrations to operate within the local telemedicine sector.
Crafting a Winning Telemedicine Tender Proposal
Next, when putting together your telemedicine tender proposal, try to incorporate some of the following elements to help your proposal stand out against competitors:
Tailor your response
Make sure to align your responses based on solutions that are directly associated with the tender requirements. Instead of talking around the bush, be straight to the point, whereby you provide the necessary solutions for the service buyer.
Highlight cost-effectiveness
In most instances, a service buyer will usually look for a tender proposal that is the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT). This would mean that you will need to highlight the potential for improved efficiency and financial benefits for both your company and the service buyer.
Showcase innovation
Another important aspect is the ability to differentiate yourself with unique features and approaches. By incorporating several innovative solutions that address key problems of the telemedicine tender requirements, you will likely stand out against competitors.
Include case studies
Previous experience will play in favour of any telehealth proposals you submit. You can provide evidence of previously successful telemedicine implementations you’ve completed. Make sure to provide information regarding the planning and implementation process.
Beyond the Tender: Successful Implementation and Partnership
While compiling a successful proposal is important, there are several other aspects that you will need to consider while applying for telehealth tenders.
Proactive Planning
This might seem like a no-brainer, however, you must provide an outline and well-detailed plan that highlights the implementation and timeline of the tender.
User Training
Be sure that your team is skilled and qualified to provide the necessary training for both providers and patients when using new technology.
Ongoing Evaluation and Improvement
Once implementation is complete, be sure to highlight any further evaluation and improvements you will be doing to monitor and enhance the telemedicine service which you have provided.
Final Thoughts
Telemedicine tenders and contracts can be lucrative ways for adequate service providers to tap into an industry that’s constantly growing and evolving. By providing the necessary services, security, and training, service providers can develop an implementation plan that will help them increase the scope of telemedicine in the United Kingdom, and help provide more accessible and convenient healthcare services to more people.
