Mission

The Automating 4 Better Care (A4BC) forum will discuss and advise on the development of operability, implementation and workforce skills in the adoption and use of automation technology in the medication pathway. The forum will look at how the use of data can help to inform local healthcare organisations and support senior NHS and Government policy makers, to support the strategic case for deployment of automated medication technology.

Purpose

The forum will establish evidence-based needs, demonstrating time saving benefits whilst ensuring safety in the adoption of new practices and framework for delivering the business case. During discussions, practice models, including workflow considerations, operability, adoption and implementation processes, workforce, quality of care, patient experience and connectivity will be assessed to determine the correct approach for automation in the medication pathway.  communities and primary care networks will be determined.

Introducing the A4BC accelorators

A4BC is launching a new set of accelerator projects focused on addressing shared challenges and turning agreed priorities into practical action. Accelerators are time limited projects designed to move work forward at pace where there is a clear operational gap and an urgent need for progress. By working collaboratively with suppliers who build and run the systems in use today, accelerators are intended to shorten the time from agreement to delivery and help move solutions more quickly towards national adoption and policy. The initial scope of these work streams is medicines management in secondary care, from arrival into hospital through to discharge. Early areas of focus include improving consistency in medicines data, aligned with the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices, and strengthening interoperability so information can be safely shared across systems. PRSB is managing the delivery of the new projects, bringing its expertise in standards development, implementation and conformance, and working closely with suppliers, the NHS and policy partners. Outputs will be reported into the forum, where they can be reviewed, shaped and supported for wider adoption and national impact.

Sponsorship opportunities

A4BC is evolving into a collaborative, multi-stakeholder programme designed to deliver practical progress on medicines automation and interoperability – areas that are increasingly recognised as foundational to NHS productivity, safety and sustainability. Sponsors play an active role in shaping this agenda, supporting evidence-based adoption and helping ensure that connected medicines management delivers real value for patients, staff and the health and care system. Sponsorship offers a distinctive opportunity to contribute to nationally relevant change while strengthening organisational credibility and visibility within the NHS. By sponsoring the Automating for Better Care (A4BC) programme, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping a UK wide transformation in how medicines are prescribed, dispensed, and monitored. Sponsorship offers visibility as a leader in innovation, direct engagement with NHS partners, and the chance to co-develop solutions that improve patient safety, reduce waste, and deliver measurable savings for the health system. Join us in shaping a future where medicines management is connected, consistent, and patient-centred. Together, we can build a pathway that delivers better outcomes, stronger NHS efficiency, and lasting value for society. Find out more email a4bc@theprsb.org.