AI breakthrough improves eye exam rates in youth with diabetes
In a ground-breaking study conducted by the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, researchers have demonstrated a significant leap forward in the field of diabetic eye care through the implementation of autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) for eye examinations. This innovative approach has markedly improved the rate of screening completions among children and adolescents with diabetes, thereby offering a promising avenue to combat the incidence of diabetes-related eye diseases (DED), which can lead to blindness if left unchecked.
The study, which has been a focal point of attention in a recent Johns Hopkins news release, utilises a non-intrusive method whereby images of the retina are captured without the necessity for pupil dilation. Following this, AI technology analyses the images to provide instantaneous results, distinguishing this method from traditional screening procedures which often require an additional appointment and dilation of the eyes.
The significance of this research cannot be overstated, especially considering its potential to bridge healthcare disparities. Historically, minority and economically disadvantaged youth, who are at a heightened risk of developing DED, have faced substantial barriers in accessing regular eye screenings. The AI-driven method heralded by this study not only promises to close these care gaps but also to enhance adherence to screening protocols among these populations.
Published in the esteemed journal Nature Communications, the study analysed eye exam completion rates among individuals under 21 years of age suffering from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Remarkably, it was found that all participants who underwent the AI-based screenings completed their eye assessments, a stark contrast to traditionally lower adherence rates.
Diabetic retinopathy, a condition affecting 4% to 9% of youth with type 1 diabetes and 4% to 15% of those with type 2 diabetes, underscores the urgency for regular screenings. The American Diabetes Association estimates that approximately 238,000 individuals under the age of 20 are living with diagnosed diabetes, making early detection and treatment of eye conditions critical to preventing the advancement of DED.
Despite the general recommendation for annual screenings, traditional methods have seen a participation rate of only 35% to 72% among young diabetic patients, with even lower rates observed in minority and economically disadvantaged groups. Barriers such as confusion over the necessity of screenings, inconvenience, and lack of accessibility have all contributed to this shortfall.
The Johns Hopkins study introduced a novel solution to these challenges by incorporating autonomous AI screening into routine visits to the endocrinologist, thereby eliminating the need for separate appointments and the discomfort of eye dilation. This method, which involves taking four images of the eye to assess for diabetic retinopathy, has not only streamlined the screening process but also facilitated immediate follow-up actions when necessary.
This research initiative enrolled 164 participants from the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Diabetes Center, with a demographic makeup that was both gender and ethnically diverse. The findings revealed a 100% completion rate for eye exams among the group subjected to AI screenings, a significant improvement over traditional methods.
The study’s lead, Dr. Risa Wolf, emphasised the dual benefits of this approach: increased screening rates and the potential to enhance health equity. By making screenings more accessible and convenient, the researchers hope to prevent the progression of diabetic eye disease across all demographics.
However, it is important to note the study’s limitations, including the current FDA approval status of the autonomous AI for individuals under 21 and the potential bias due to some participants’ prior familiarity with AI screenings from a previous study.
Funded by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health and the Diabetes Research Connection, this study represents a pivotal step forward in diabetic eye care. It not only underscores the transformative potential of AI in healthcare but also highlights the critical need for innovative solutions to improve access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Read MoreUCSD Health study reveals AI’s potential in reducing sepsis mortality
Sepsis, a critical and often fatal response to infection that causes widespread inflammation and organ damage, is a major health concern, claiming the lives of approximately 350,000 Americans annually. Timely detection is crucial for effective treatment, involving prompt administration of antibiotics and intravenous fluids to stabilise the patient.
Researchers at UC San Diego Health have been exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance early sepsis diagnosis. Their internally developed AI system, named COMPOSER, utilises machine learning and is trained on over 100,000 digital patient records from previous sepsis cases. A recent study published in the journal npj Digital Medicine has demonstrated the potential of COMPOSER in reducing mortality rates.
COMPOSER operates by analysing electronic health records of emergency patients at UCSD every hour. It evaluates various parameters, including medication histories and recent vital statistics, to identify individuals who may be in the initial stages of sepsis. This approach is particularly beneficial in ambiguous cases, where symptoms do not distinctly indicate sepsis.
Dr. Gabriel Wardi, a co-author of the study and a specialist in emergency medicine and sepsis, highlights the algorithm’s significance in situations where diagnostic clarity is lacking. The system acts as an additional tool for medical professionals, suggesting further examination of patients at risk of developing sepsis, thereby facilitating timely intervention.
The study involved 6,217 emergency patients at UCSD’s Hillcrest and La Jolla emergency departments. Comparing the outcomes of 5,000 patients treated before the implementation of COMPOSER with 1,152 patients during its active phase, researchers observed a reduction in sepsis mortality from 11.39% to 9.5%. While these results are promising, they represent correlations rather than direct cause-and-effect, due to the non-randomised nature of the trial.
Karin Molander, director of the Sepsis Alliance, acknowledges the potential benefits of AI in healthcare, particularly in continuous monitoring without human limitations. However, she emphasises the importance of verifying AI-generated recommendations.
The implementation of COMPOSER required careful calibration to minimise false alerts, ensuring that it aids rather than burdens healthcare providers. The system, while capable of predicting sepsis, cannot replace medical professionals, who are responsible for all patient care decisions.
Shamim Nemati, a co-author and UCSD associate professor, notes the challenges in training the algorithm to differentiate between sepsis and similar conditions. The ongoing development of COMPOSER includes enhancements to request additional diagnostic tests when necessary.
UCSD is expanding the use of COMPOSER to include patients admitted to the hospital, and its application is expected to extend to the new East Campus. The integration of advanced wearable sensors and large-language models like ChatGPT into the system is also underway, aiming to improve data accuracy and reduce false alarms.
UC San Diego Health is actively incorporating AI into various aspects of patient care, having appointed its first chief AI officer and collaborating with Microsoft Inc. to utilise AI technologies like ChatGPT in routine patient communications. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to centralise data integration and maximise the benefits of AI in healthcare.
Read MoreMayo Clinic teams up with Cerebras Systems to advance healthcare AI
The Mayo Clinic, a renowned non-profit medical institution based in Rochester, Minnesota, announced a strategic partnership with the Silicon Valley-based startup Cerebras Systems on Monday (15th of January, 2024). This collaboration aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing healthcare services.
With significant presences across three major campuses in the United States and additional facilities in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, the Mayo Clinic is set to utilise cutting-edge computing chips and systems supplied by Cerebras. The collaboration will delve into the Mayo Clinic’s extensive archive of anonymised medical records and data, laying the groundwork for the development of bespoke AI models.
According to Matthew Callstrom, Mayo’s Medical Director for Strategy and Chair of the Radiology Department, these AI models are poised to revolutionise various aspects of medical record management and diagnostics. Some models are being designed to interpret and summarise extensive medical records for new patients, streamlining the patient onboarding process. Additionally, other models will focus on identifying intricate patterns in medical imagery and genome data, patterns that might elude even the most experienced medical professionals. However, Callstrom emphasised that these systems are intended to augment medical decision-making, not replace it. The human expertise of doctors remains paramount in the clinical decision-making process.
“The integration of AI is about enhancing the decision-making process for each patient, considering the multitude of factors and drawing upon extensive experience,” Callstrom explained.
The Mayo Clinic’s collaboration with Cerebras is anticipated to yield results that will be accessible via the Mayo Clinic Platform. This platform is a comprehensive data network already utilised by various healthcare systems such as Mercy in the U.S., the University Health Network in Canada, and other systems in Brazil and Israel.
While the pricing model for the AI technology developed through this partnership has not been finalised, Callstrom indicated that the Mayo Clinic intends to disclose further details about this venture during a presentation at JPMorgan Chase’s healthcare conference in San Francisco.
Andrew Feldman, CEO of Cerebras, described the deal as a multi-million-dollar agreement spanning several years, though he refrained from disclosing specific financial details. Cerebras, aspiring to compete with industry leaders like Nvidia, will provide both the necessary hardware and software development expertise as part of the agreement. This collaboration marks a significant step in integrating advanced AI capabilities into the healthcare sector, aiming to enhance patient care through technological innovation.
Read MoreAI-enhanced x-ray trials initiated in NHS Scotland for early lung cancer detection
The University of Glasgow has recently initiated a pivotal trial using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance chest X-ray analysis for the early detection of lung cancer within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC). This innovative approach, named the Radiograph Accelerated Detection and Identification of Cancer of the Lung (RADICAL) trial, is being conducted at Inverclyde Royal Hospital, Vale of Leven Hospital, and Paisley’s Royal Alexandria Hospital.
Lung cancer, a major health concern in Scotland, accounts for approximately 5,500 new cases annually and is a leading cause of death in the region. Early diagnosis is crucial; if lung cancer is identified at stage 2, over 35% of patients have the potential to survive beyond five years, with this figure rising to 55% if diagnosed at stage 1.
The trial involves the analysis of chest X-rays using the qXR system, a collaborative effort between Qure.ai, NHSGGC-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub, the University of Glasgow, and the Scottish government. In this trial, nearly 250 patients across three hospitals have had their chest X-rays analysed by qXR in near real-time.
Qure.ai’s qXR technology functions by automatically sorting standard chest X-rays and identifying abnormalities such as masses or lung nodules. This allows for the prioritisation of patient cases, thus facilitating quicker and more accurate diagnosis.
Following a comprehensive, nationally coordinated evaluation of AI in radiology, this technology aims to demonstrate its clinical effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and enhanced patient outcomes. The qXR system is set to be integrated into approximately 70,000 chest X-ray examinations annually.
David Lowe, Professor of Health and Innovation at the University of Glasgow and Emergency Medicine Consultant at NHSGGC, emphasised the significance of early cancer detection. He stated that identifying cancer sooner can expedite further imaging and subsequent treatment, ultimately benefiting the entire patient care pathway.
Professor Julie Brittenden, Director of Research and Innovation at NHSGGC, highlighted the role of AI in assisting clinicians in treating patients. She noted that AI technology ensures patients are directed onto the most suitable treatment pathway as swiftly as possible.
Furthermore, the University of Glasgow’s Digital Health Validation Lab is providing vital support for qXR as part of the Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine. This initiative offers academic leadership and support to deliver the trial in conjunction with NHSGGC and Qure.ai, thereby furthering advancements in digital health and precision medicine.
Read MoreNew machine learning approach transforms behavioural health medication practices
At the recent AMCP Nexus 2023 conference in Orlando, Florida (16th-19th of October), presenters showcased a groundbreaking machine learning program designed to address medication-related issues in individuals with behavioural health conditions. This program has shown promising results in reducing polypharmacy, enhancing medication adherence, and decreasing healthcare costs.
Behavioural health conditions pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems. A 2020 Milliman study examining commercial healthcare claims data from 2017, which encompassed 21 million people, revealed that although only 27% had a behavioural health condition, they accounted for over half of the total healthcare expenditures. In this context, machine learning offers a potential solution for better managing these conditions.
The presenters highlighted the issue of polypharmacy, a common concern in behavioural health where 60% of adults with a condition are prescribed two or more psychotropic medications. Polypharmacy not only increases the risk of drug interactions and adverse events but also contributes to soaring healthcare costs. Dr. Caroline Carney, Chief Medical Officer at Magellan Health, underscored the tendency for medication overlap and overprescription in treating conditions like depression and anxiety, often leading to unnecessary medication layers.
Another issue in managing behavioural health medications is the multiple prescribers involved, including primary care doctors, specialists, and inpatient clinicians, often resulting in uncoordinated treatment. This lack of coordination can leave patients confused and overwhelmed with their medication regimens.
To combat these challenges, Magellan Health collaborated with Arine, a medication management tech startup, to create inforMED (formerly known as Navigate Whole Health). This AI-driven program identifies prescribers who can potentially optimise patient care, generating comprehensive care plans with treatment recommendations and patient education. The program’s effectiveness is continuously improved by incorporating new clinical outcome data.
Dr. Carney elaborated on the program’s approach, which considers hundreds of parameters, providing prescribers not just with medication change suggestions but also with reasons, implications, and evidence-based support for the recommended changes.
Yoona Kim, PharmD, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Arine, explained that machine learning algorithms are utilised to target prescribers based on their prescribing patterns and the presence of prescribing outliers in their patient panels. The program also considers social determinants of health, using ZIP code data to assess potential barriers to healthcare access, such as low income or lack of vehicle access.
The results of this program have been significant. Dr. Kim reported a reduction in behavioural health polypharmacy by 45% to 55%, a 20% increase in medication adherence, a 20% reduction in average daily morphine milligram equivalents, and a savings of $360 to $840 in pharmaceutical costs per enrolled member annually.
Dr. Carney emphasised the program’s success in providing actionable data and guidance to healthcare providers, leading to improved patient outcomes and stronger, longer-lasting professional relationships. This innovative approach signifies a major step forward in the management of medication for behavioural health conditions.
Read MoreSingapore forges ahead with digital health initiatives to address healthcare workforce shortages
In Singapore, healthcare leaders and young professionals are uniting under a common goal: to create a more integrated and sustainable healthcare system, leveraging digital technologies. This ambition aligns with findings from the Future Health Index 2023 report by Royal Philips, highlighting Singapore’s dedicated efforts in digital health transformation. These findings reflect broader trends observed across the Asia-Pacific region.
A critical driving force behind this digital push is the projected need for an additional 24,000 allied health professionals and support care staff by 2030, as forecasted by Singapore’s Ministry of Health. This need arises from the growing demands of the nation’s ageing population.
A survey involving 200 senior healthcare executives and young clinicians in Singapore revealed that 75% are either already utilising or planning to adopt digital health technology. This strategic move aims to mitigate the impact of the looming workforce shortage in healthcare. Technologies such as cloud-based solutions, out-of-hospital care innovations, and workflow technologies like digital health records and patient flow automation are at the forefront of this digital transition.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is recognised as a key area of opportunity, with a quarter of respondents currently investing in AI technologies. Over the next three years, a significant 84% have pledged investment in health AI, particularly favouring applications in outcome prediction and clinical decision support.
For young healthcare professionals, the prospect of working in an AI-enabled institution is highly attractive. Furthermore, about half of the healthcare leaders surveyed are investing in virtual care, acknowledged for its substantial role in enhancing patient care.
Singaporean healthcare leaders are also adapting to technology-driven distributed models of care, with about two-thirds of respondents considering themselves well-prepared to work effectively within these new frameworks. These models are anticipated to bring improved work-life balance and job satisfaction for healthcare professionals. They are expected to boost patient compliance with treatment, create additional revenue opportunities, and enhance efficiency and convenience for patients.
In the broader context, Singapore’s commitment to integrating AI in healthcare is further evidenced by the recent memorandum of understanding between Synapxe, its national health technology agency, and Microsoft. This collaboration aims to use generative AI to increase clinical productivity, among other initiatives to modernise public healthcare IT in the country.
Additionally, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore’s leading research and development agency, has launched a joint AI lab with health tech company EVYD Technology. This lab is designed to foster multi-institutional and cross-border collaborations in digital health, underpinning Singapore’s robust approach towards embracing digital solutions in healthcare.
Read MoreNHS introduces AI solutions to tackle winter healthcare demands and minimise hospital admissions
As winter approaches, the NHS is set to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) technology to identify patients at risk of hospitalisation, enabling community healthcare teams to provide preemptive care and alleviate the strain on Accident and Emergency (A&E) services. This initiative is part of a broader introduction of technological and data-driven solutions to enhance the NHS’s response to the seasonal increase in healthcare demands.
In Somerset, four GP practices have initiated a pilot programme using an AI system designed to identify registered patients with complex medical needs who are at heightened risk of hospital admission or those who seldom contact their GP. The system facilitates proactive outreach for health discussions. Subsequently, individuals identified as high-risk will be contacted by health coaches, nurses, or GPs. These healthcare professionals are equipped to offer an array of preventive services, which include the provision of food parcels for vulnerable patients, intensification of care to specialist doctors, implementation of preventative measures to reduce the risk of falls, or connection to local volunteer organisations to combat isolation.
Innovative use of AI in Buckinghamshire involves it being linked to electronic sensors on household appliances such as kettles and refrigerators. These sensors monitor changes in patients’ eating and drinking patterns, triggering alerts to a non-clinical Onward Care team. The team can address up to 95% of issues raised by interacting with patients directly, escalating clinical matters when necessary. Patients have the option to avail themselves of these community-based, practical support measures that not only offer monitoring but also assistance with household chores, shopping, and the provision of food parcels, which has been instrumental in preventing hospital readmissions among frail patients.
Some regions in Birmingham are trialling a different approach, employing an algorithm that forecasts the top 5% of individuals at risk of potential A&E visits or hospital admissions. The team conducts wellness checks to offer social care assessments, medication reviews, or other community support initiatives to circumvent A&E admissions. Over the upcoming two years, this programme aims to prevent approximately 4,500 non-essential A&E visits, reduce overnight hospital stays by 17,000, and liberate around 23,000 GP appointments for other patients.
These innovative measures are being implemented in the context of an NHS already under significant pressure, with recent data indicating that A&E departments experienced their busiest October on record, while ambulance services reported the highest monthly demand witnessed this year. The NHS has been diligently preparing for winter, guided by the urgent and emergency care recovery plan published earlier in the year. The plan includes strategies to augment capacity and fortify resilience across the NHS, such as the establishment of care ‘traffic control’ centres to expedite patient discharges, the provision of additional ambulance hours, and the increase of available beds.
The NHS has also been expanding its globally acclaimed virtual ward programme, achieving its target of establishing 10,000 virtual ward beds by the end of September. These virtual wards allow patients to receive hospital-grade care in the familiar surroundings of their own homes, surrounded by family, friends, and carers.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive, commended the suite of technological and data solutions being introduced: “These advances demonstrate the innovative spirit of NHS staff across the nation, who are leveraging the latest technology and AI to provide patient care and significantly reduce unnecessary A&E visits. Not only are these strategies more beneficial for patients, who can receive care in the comfort of their homes, but they also support the NHS, especially as we anticipate an incredibly challenging winter season.”
Chris Holt, Chief Transformation Officer at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS FT, emphasised the crucial role of data and AI in healthcare delivery: “Intelligently using data and harnessing AI is now essential in aiding our most vulnerable patients. Identifying those at greatest risk of hospitalisation during the winter allows us to intervene earlier with tailored support.”
In preparation for the winter season, the NHS recently launched its annual 111 campaign to encourage the use of NHS 111 services for urgent, non-life-threatening medical advice. The campaign, which will run until the end of March across various media platforms, informs the public about accessing advice from a range of NHS professionals, including clinicians, nurses, and GPs, all from the convenience of their homes. However, in emergencies that are life-threatening, the campaign reiterates the importance of calling 999.
Read MoreSurvey highlights doctors’ concerns with AI influencing medical diagnoses and treatments
A sizable portion of medical practitioners harbour reservations about the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping diagnostic and treatment protocols, as indicated by a recent survey’s findings.
The study, unveiled by Medscape on Monday (13th of November, 2023), suggests that a majority, approximately 65 per cent, of the surveyed physicians harbour either significant or moderate concerns regarding AI’s burgeoning role in informing diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Conversely, a smaller group, constituting 36 per cent, expressed minimal or no concern over the incorporation of AI in these critical areas of healthcare.
The survey also shed light on the varying degrees of receptivity towards AI among healthcare professionals. While 42 per cent of respondents expressed enthusiasm about the prospects of AI integration in their daily work, a notable 30 per cent remained ambivalent, and an apprehensive 28 per cent displayed reservations regarding its future implications.
Echoing the sentiments of caution, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, in a July opinion piece, prognosticated that AI’s integration into medical practice could supplant certain functions traditionally performed by physicians, and that such a shift might occur sooner than anticipated.
“Whilst the question of ‘if’ AI will replace some of the doctors’ responsibilities is becoming obsolete, the more pressing issue is ‘when’. For certain tasks, this technologically driven future is closer than we might envisage,” Gottlieb asserted.
The responses to the Medscape survey, however, revealed a more welcoming stance towards AI as a collaborative tool in diagnosis and treatment, with a significant 56 per cent of physicians indicating keen or moderate enthusiasm for AI as a complementary aid. The remaining 44 per cent reported feeling some degree of apprehension towards AI assistance.
Interestingly, the survey highlighted a generational divide in perceptions of AI, with younger doctors, particularly those under 35, displaying less enthusiasm compared to their middle-aged counterparts aged between 45 and 54 years.
This comprehensive survey, which ran from July 12 to August 11, garnered responses from 1,043 participants spanning over 29 medical specialties. The results carry a sampling error margin of 3.03 percent, ensuring 95 per cent confidence in the data gathered.
Read MoreDigital tool for specialist weight management services shows promising results
In a groundbreaking investigation led by the team at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW), the potential and efficacy of digital platforms tailored for advanced weight management have been highlighted.
The research revolved around assessing the eagerness, acceptance, and active participation of patients on standby for their first-ever specialist weight management consultation. In the United Kingdom, specialised weight management services, often referred to as tier 3 services, offer a holistic approach to tackling obesity. These specialised services are generally anchored in hospitals or clinic facilities and bring together a diverse group of healthcare specialists. This includes dietitians, psychologists, specialist nurses, and doctors, all proficient in the realm of weight management.
For the purposes of this research, an NHS-approved digital platform named Gro Health was integrated into the service offering. This avant-garde health application propels numerous healthcare routes, with its tier 3 weight management feature, “W8Buddy”, acting as an online weight loss clinic. This feature delivers structured learning sessions, both individual and group coaching, an expansive list of over 2,000 recipes and meal schedules, and tools for health and nutrition tracking to chart progress.
The study drew in 199 prospective patients eagerly waiting for their appointment at the NHS Trust’s tier 3 weight management service.
Preliminary results indicate that over half of these individuals expressed genuine interest in the application. An impressive one-third went on to actively engage with the digital platform, highlighting the immense potential of such digital interventions in the specialised weight management scenario.
The engagement analysis unearthed intriguing data points. Those prone to emotional eating or those with an escalated BMI exhibited an increased propensity towards the Gro Health application. Meanwhile, aspects like age, ethnic background, and metabolic indicators like glycemia and lipid readings did not notably sway the interest.
These findings could serve as a blueprint for revolutionising weight management strategy. As digital healthcare tools evolve and gain traction, they stand poised as formidable and expansive strategies to confront the global issue of obesity.
Charlotte Summers, a behavioural change expert and the Founding Chief Operations Officer, expressed her enthusiasm, noting, “The pronounced interest demonstrated by patients in the Gro Health W8Buddy tool for weight management is truly heartening.”
She drew attention to the evident link between emotional eating, a raised BMI, and heightened engagement, highlighting, “This relationship underscores the transformative capacity of precise digital strategies in addressing weight-related concerns.”
Summers further elaborated on the journey ahead, “As we venture into providing tier 3 and 4 weight management services, we’re thrilled about tailoring these platforms with firsthand insights from both patients and healthcare providers. Such a collaborative effort not only champions a patient-driven model but also deepens our grasp on their preferences and anticipations. This, in turn, empowers us to offer top-tier, accurate care, be it through enhancing conventional healthcare avenues or pioneering virtual healthcare experiences.”
The study’s authors stress the need for continued exploration into understanding the challenges and motivators behind adopting digital tools and emphasise the importance of rigorously assessing their impact within specialised weight management services.
The rise of digital health platforms is sculpting the future of healthcare. This specific investigation underscores the transformative power of such tools, all while highlighting the necessity to unravel the complexities of patient engagement. As we witness the proliferation and capabilities of digital health platforms, the persistent quest to maximise their utility for patients and the broader healthcare spectrum is paramount.
Stay tuned for more revelations as ongoing studies continue to sculpt this rapidly evolving domain of weight management.
Read MoreWHO Europe stresses the need for strengthened digital health literacy across the region
In a significant report released by WHO Europe, there’s an emphasised call for an immediate boost in investments towards digital health literacy across the region.
The report, titled “Digital Health in the European Region: The Ongoing Commitment to Transformation,” sheds light on a concerning statistic: only half of the countries spanning Europe and Central Asia have rolled out policies tailored to bolster digital health literacy. This oversight leaves a considerable portion of the population in the shadows, devoid of the benefits of evolving digital healthcare platforms.
The landscape of healthcare has experienced a monumental shift in the WHO European Region over recent times, as is evident from the burgeoning adoption rate of digital health solutions. This transformation has redefined the dynamics of patient care.
Released during the Second WHO Symposium on the Future of Health Systems in a Digital Era held for the European Region, the report encompasses insights from all 53 member nations. Many countries within this bracket witnessed a spontaneous surge in the creation and deployment of digital health tools and policies due to the pressing demands of the COVID-19 pandemic – a time dominated by lockdowns and social distancing mandates. This led to the broader acceptance of telemedicine services and the advent of user-centric health applications. However, the report firmly stresses that the journey is far from complete.
A pressing concern is the evident disparity in the adoption and assimilation of digital health solutions across the region. This “digital health divide” implies that a staggering number of individuals are yet to harness the potential benefits of digital health advancements.
Diving deeper, the report draws attention to several pivotal areas:
- Of the countries surveyed, 44 have an established national digital health strategy.
- A unanimous consensus is seen with all 53 member nations having legislation that focuses on protecting individual data privacy.
- However, there’s a considerable disparity in the preparedness and execution, with only 19 countries offering guidance on evaluating the efficacy and safety of digital health initiatives.
- Slightly above 50% of these countries have put forth policies advocating digital health literacy and have set into motion a digital inclusion agenda.
- The pandemic saw 30 countries devising legislation to champion the cause of telehealth.
- An area that requires immediate attention is the oversight of mobile health (mHealth) applications. Many nations lack a dedicated body to ensure the quality, safety, and reliability of these apps. A mere 15% have reported systematic evaluations of state-backed mHealth initiatives.
- Just above half of the countries have strategised the application of Big Data and avant-garde analytics within the healthcare domain.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for Europe, opined on the matter, “In numerous nations, the growth trajectory of digital health platforms has been somewhat sporadic. This approach warrants an overhaul. It’s imperative to perceive digital health as a long-term, strategic investment, rather than a fleeting addition or a privilege enjoyed by a select few. It is a clarion call for our political and health leaders to strategically invest in the digital health infrastructure of tomorrow, today.”
Read MoreNHS gets £30m boost for tech advancements to improve patient care
In a recent announcement, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) revealed its plans to allocate £30 million for state-of-the-art technology aimed at enhancing services provided by the NHS. This funding is anticipated to play a pivotal role in reducing patient wait times, expediting the diagnostic process, and introducing novel patient treatment methodologies.
The DHSC, on its website, highlighted that such financial backing is expected to alleviate some of the operational burdens the NHS might face during the upcoming winter season. Notably, the funds could potentially be utilised to expand 3D diagnostics, thus expediting cancer screenings, and to implement innovative logistic solutions such as drone deliveries.
Moreover, another significant avenue the investment could support is the augmentation of virtual wards. This would allow more patients to receive essential care within the comfort of their homes, ensuring hospital beds remain available for those in acute need. To date, the NHS has successfully established over 9,800 virtual ward beds, with plans to achieve the 10,000 bed milestone before winter strikes.
Regions throughout England can access this funding. Integrated care systems (ICSs) have been tasked with submitting proposals to both the DHSC and NHSE detailing how they would best leverage the technology. The application process is set to commence shortly.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Steve Barclay, emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring the medical fraternity is equipped with cutting-edge technology, stating, “From virtual ward beds to wearable medical devices, this new funding is a testament to our dedication to enhancing patient care, preparing for winter, and relieving hospital pressures.”
In addition to supporting the use of wearable devices that monitor vital signs and aid in the management of chronic ailments, ICSs might channel investments into advanced digital imaging, a move that would undoubtedly bolster diagnostic capabilities, especially in the realms of cancer detection and other severe illnesses.
Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS’s interim national director of transformation, applauded the NHS’s innovative prowess, stating that such tech advancements have already positively impacted over 210,000 patients through virtual ward setups. Ellie Kearney, a spokesperson from the Health Tech Alliance, welcomed the financial boost but also expressed some members’ discontent with certain previous funding strategies.
In further developments, the DHSC referenced the Medical Technology Strategy they unveiled earlier in the year, which laid down a roadmap for enabling patient access to secure, efficient, and pioneering tech via the NHS. This latest £30 million injection builds upon a prior £21 million allocation towards AI diagnostic tools.
This strategic funding alignment is in sync with the government’s overarching vision for fortifying the NHS, especially with the challenges that winter typically brings. In addition to this tech fund, the government, in September, infused £200 million into the NHS, aiming to fortify its resilience. The Urgent and Emergency Care Recovery Plan, rolled out at the beginning of the year, pledges to furnish 5,000 more hospital beds, 10,000 virtual ward beds, and 800 brand-new ambulances, supported by an impressive £1 billion fund.
Read MoreDigital health adoption climbs rapidly among healthcare organisations, survey reveals
A recent study spearheaded by Xealth in 2023 underscores a significant shift towards digital health solutions among members of the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME). The survey, carried out from May to June, highlighted that an overwhelming 90% of CHIME members are now leaning into digital health strategies. This robust adoption rate prevails in spite of challenges such as fiscal constraints and limitations in staffing resources.
Delving deeper into the findings, a significant 81% of participants have seamlessly integrated digital health tools within their Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. Meanwhile, a noteworthy 19.1% claim to have not only achieved EHR integration of digital health platforms but also set distinct objectives and performance metrics surrounding them.
Mike McSherry, at the helm of Xealth as CEO and co-founder, expressed his insights on the matter. “The healthcare sector is typically perceived as resistant to rapid transformation. Yet, the swift embrace of digital health solutions is a testament to its increasing relevance and potential. It’s heartening to observe the overarching endorsement from top-tier management in health establishments. The correlation between digital health strategies and both the growth in bottom-line and reduction in readmissions is becoming pronounced. As digital initiatives continue to evolve, we anticipate these figures to further accentuate.”
The survey also shed light on several pivotal insights:
- A large majority, 81%, perceive digital health as encompassing apps and platforms that can be downloaded and used in conjunction with a dedicated device. This is closely trailed by digital tools for patient education, such as downloadable PDFs and video resources (excluding clinical references), accounting for 71.4%.
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) and stand-alone downloadable apps and platforms (which don’t necessitate a connected device) are recognised as integral components of digital health by two-thirds (66.7%) of those surveyed.
- An encouraging 76.2% of participants emphasised that their health systems witnessed a surge in patient involvement and interaction courtesy of enhanced digital health strategies. A considerable 47.6% credited the uptick in digital health tools for facilitating clinicians’ tasks and ensuring ease of operations.
- A positive fiscal performance coupled with decreased patient readmissions due to ramped-up digital health utilisation was confirmed by 14.3% of respondents.
- The primary drivers prompting health establishments to expand their digital health footprint were identified as increased funding from payers or employers (81%), heightened patient demand (71.4%), improved system compatibility and integration ease (66.7%), the establishment of clear CPT codes dedicated to digital interventions (42.9%), and the growing availability of clinical proof validating digital interventions (33.3%).
Interestingly, none of the participants identified a lack of endorsement from C-level executives or diminishing patient engagement as impediments in their digital health adoption journey.
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