MedTech the Solution – November 2021

On the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Medical Technology Group, we celebrate the achievements in medical technology over the past two decades, and the benefits it has brought by improving patients’ lives, making the NHS safer and more efficient, and helping people back to work. The report also makes recommendations on how medical technology can address the major issues facing the NHS today and in the near future.

Download the report

How medical technology can help reduce the cost of ill health to the UK economy – November 2017

In November 2017, The Medical Technology Group launched its second major study, ‘Keeping Britain Working – How medical technology can help reduce the cost of ill health to the UK economy’.

Building on the Work Foundation’s 2011 study and launching in the House of Commons, the report explores the societal and economic impact of eight technologies: hip replacements; implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs); insulin pumps; diagnostics, including sepsis; fibroid embolisation; pain management; wound care; and coronary angioplasty.

The report concludes that £476 million in savings per year could be generated in reduced long-term health costs and benefit payments from the use of these eight technologies alone. If that money was put back into the NHS it would pay for 20,000 nurses or 10.5 million GP visits.

Read the full report

The Economic and Societal Benefits of Medical Technology – November 2011

In November 2011, The Work Foundation published a report, ‘Adding Value: The Economic and Societal Benefits of Medical Technology’, funded by a research grant from the MTG.

The report, which was launched in the House of Commons, identified three key areas of benefits from medical technologies.

1. Improvements in health care (quality, efficiency and the empowerment of patients);
2. Improving quality of life and independent living (reducing fears and anxiety, increasing flexibility, and reducing the need for informal care and the burden on informal caregivers);
3. Labour market participation and productivity (increasing labour market participation, retaining skills and improving productivity).

A copy of the report is available here: Adding Value The Economic and Societal Benefits of Medical Technology.

Making the Economic Case for Medical Technology – 2004

In 2004, the MTG’s report ‘Making the Economic Case for Medical Technology’ suggested that increasing the provision of medical technology can “help patients better manage their conditions” and lead a “longer and relatively healthy life”. It also suggested that by making greater use of technology there are cost benefits for the National Health Service. The report was the subject of an Early Day Motion tabled by Ian Gibson MP. The motion was signed by 30 Members of Parliament.