H2020. Better Health and care, economic growth and sustainable health systems

A combination of rapid, accurate and specific diagnostics and correct treatment promises not only to reduce caseloads of multi-drug resistant infections, but also to limit public spending for necessary isolation and hospitalisation by early and correctly identifying the appropriate treatment.

In practice cost issues hamper the implementation of rapid diagnostics for ID in public health institutions, as innovative rapid diagnostics are still significantly more expensive than culture-based diagnostics. This issue and the lack of consideration of total cost of care limits the uptake of innovative rapid diagnostics in hospitals, which could result in a continued unspecific use of antimicrobials, prolonged hospitalisations and a non-patient centred provision of care.

Aim

The principal aim is the implementation of timely and correct diagnostics for infectious diseases (ID) that will speed up the identification of the causative infectious disease pathogens, possible drug resistances and drug susceptibility is crucial for tailoring the antimicrobial treatment, thus ensuring appropriate antimicrobial drug use.

Proposals

This topic will contribute to the EU One Health Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and should specifically consider the following:

• Development of proposals for ‘Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions’ for the implementation of rapid diagnostic tools for infectious diseases in clinical practice.
• Applications should be driven by public and/or private procurers from each participating country that have responsibilities and budget control in the relevant area of supply of health and care services.
• Proposals should include clear communication and outreach strategies aiming to actively promote and support public health procurement organisations and health care providers across regions and borders of the EU in adopting relevant innovation procurement approaches.
• Synergies with the Structural Reform Support Program and the European Structural and Investment Fund are encouraged.

Expected impact

• Implementation of innovative procurement practices for diagnostics for infectious diseases in the EU.
• Contribute to the EU One Health Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.
• Create new opportunities for market uptake and economies of scale for the supply side of rapid diagnostics in the area of respiratory tract infections across the EU.
• Reduced fragmentation of demand for innovative solutions.

Deadline

07 April 2020 17:00:00 Brussels time

More information

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