Evidence Based Interventions

The Evidence-Based Interventions (EBI) programme aims to prevent avoidable harm to patients, to avoid unnecessary operations and to free up clinical time by only offering interventions on the NHS that are evidence-based and appropriate. It is a clinically-driven, quality improvement programme about appropriate care, that has published guidance on two lists of interventions to date (List 1 - 17 surgical interventions; List 2 - a further 31 surgical and diagnostic interventions).

The impact of COVID on the NHS has reinforced the importance of effective use of resources, acting as a catalyst for more directive EBI implementation. The necessary pause in elective care activity has increased waiting lists for many procedures. As treatments are rescheduled, it is critical that clinicians' time is focussed on providing effective care for those who need it most.

Initially, NHS England and NHS Improvement led the EBI programme in close partnership with the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and NHS Clinical Commissioners (NHSCC). However, the arrangement has changed and the AoMRC has now taken responsibility for the programme, bolstering the clinical leadership and ensuring that improvements to patient care are at the heart of the programme