In a period of uncertainty, there are two key factors that are impacting on Healthcare and Pharma activity:

1. The NHS is under more strain than ever as a result of Covid backlogs and a financial squeeze, at the same time as structural changes through ICS formation.
2. Pharma’s access to decision-makers (whether prescribers or payers) will continue to be restricted as a result of Covid, creating a new paradigm of engagement.

In February 2021, the government published ‘Integration and Innovation: Working Together to Improve Health and Social Care for All’. This white paper set out a vision around greater integration of care across healthcare and social care, underpinned by significant structural changes and then by legislation. This will be the most significant legislative reform to the NHS since the Coalition Government published the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

Amid discussion around ICSs, ICPs, PCNs and delivering at System, Neighbourhood and Place level, in order to effectively engage with the right individuals and deliver the right communications regarding value in pursuit of better health for patients, the Pharmaceutical Industry needs to embrace these latest changes into their plans.

As one of the most experienced market access consultancy in the UK, we have been closely tracking the development of these new structures and have a a deep understanding of the key stakeholders within the local health economies across England and the devolved nations.

The aim of this report was to help understand the level of confidence felt by senior leaders across the UK Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industry, regarding these imminent changes.