Digital Health

How Finland’s Digital Health Village is redefining healthcare delivery

Launched in 2016, Finland’s Digital Health Village represents a pioneering digital service platform within the healthcare and social welfare sectors. This platform integrates digital care pathways with expert information online, designed to alleviate pressure on traditional healthcare infrastructures and improve service delivery. The initiative has not only met but surpassed its expectations, notably by enabling healthcare workers to allocate time to additional patients each day, thus enhancing operational efficiency.

Globally, healthcare systems face challenges such as ageing populations, increasing demand for services, workforce shortages, lengthening treatment queues, and financial constraints. In 2023, the Finnish government allocated over EUR 20 billion to its 21 wellbeing services counties, a substantial portion of the national budget, highlighting the growing financial demands on healthcare and social welfare. The Southern Finland healthcare system alone employs around 60,000 professionals, with the Helsinki and Uusimaa Hospital District (HUS) managing a significant workforce of 27,500. In 2023, HUS provided specialist medical care and emergency services to more than 690,000 patients, underlining the critical need for efficient service delivery mechanisms.

The Digital Health Village, developed through the national Virtual Hospital 2.0 project coordinated by HUS, serves as a central piece in Finland’s strategy to modernise healthcare. This cloud-based service was designed from the start to consolidate expertise, offer updated information, and improve patient care both digitally and locally. It includes over 30 specific hubs catering to various patient groups, featuring dependable expert information on different health conditions. The platform’s My Path service offers digital care pathways on referral, open-access self-care programs, and remote consultation capabilities. HealthVillagePRO, another integral component, provides clinical guidelines and online courses for healthcare professionals to foster skill development and the adoption of innovative work practices.

Matti Bergendahl, CEO of HUS, highlighted the transformative effect of this digital overhaul, noting that rethinking patient needs and service delivery has been crucial. The establishment of the Digital Health Village as a cloud-based platform from its inception has been particularly advantageous, allowing for cost-effective, secure, and scalable development.

The impact of this digital transition is significant, saving healthcare professionals up to 26 minutes per day, thereby freeing up time to treat additional one to two patients daily. This efficiency gain, derived from expert interviews and external impact analysis, translates to annual savings of more than EUR 42 million for Southern Finland’s healthcare system. Moreover, the broader societal benefits, such as enhanced treatment quality, reduced wait times, and economic savings due to decreased patient travel and income loss, contribute to an estimated EUR 689 million in annual savings for the region.

The platform’s user satisfaction rates are also notable, with up to 69% of users reporting improved quality of life. The frequency of service usage correlates with greater perceived benefits, underscoring the value of regular interaction with the digital platform.

Looking forward, the integration of AI and large language models is set to further personalise and enhance the Digital Health Village. Current applications include AI-driven chatbot features, and future possibilities involve leveraging AI for multilingual translation capabilities. Sirpa Arvonen, Digital Manager at HUS, is enthusiastic about the potential to improve information flow by enabling both patients and professionals to access digital resources in their preferred languages, thereby making communication more effective and inclusive.

Digital twin technology proves effective in diabetes care and in reducing cardiovascular disease risk

A groundbreaking study has revealed that employing a health application enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) not only supports diabetes management but also considerably reduces the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). These findings were presented at the annual American Association of Clinical Endocrinology meeting, which took place from the 9th to the 11th of May, 2024, in New Orleans.

The research was led by Paramesh Shamanna, M.D., from the Bangalore Diabetes Centre in India, along with his team. They set out to assess the impact of digital twin (DT) technology on diabetes control, specifically looking at improvements in haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels and ASCVD risk over ten years. The study included 289 participants; 208 of these were assigned to the DT intervention group while 81 received the standard care.

The DT intervention utilised a mobile app that integrates AI with Internet of Things technology. This app analyses multidimensional data to provide tailored nutritional and health recommendations. After one year, an impressive 72.5 percent of participants in the DT group achieved sustained remission of diabetes. There was a marked improvement in HbA1c levels within this group, showing a significant decrease from baseline by an average of 3 percentage points compared to just a 0.2 point reduction in the standard care group.

Furthermore, the study highlighted a significant shift in ASCVD risk profiles after 360 days of using the digital twin technology. Within the DT group, 76.6 percent of individuals were categorised as low-risk, up from 49.1 percent at the start of the study. This was in stark contrast to the marginal improvement seen in the standard care group, where low-risk categorisation slightly rose from 43.2 to 45.7 percent.

Notably, the reduction in high-risk ASCVD profiles was more pronounced in the DT group, while there was no significant change in the standard care group. The comparison of changes in ASCVD risk between the two groups revealed a significant positive correlation, indicating a more substantial decrease in the DT group (-4.3 versus -0.97).

The authors of the study concluded that digital twin technology significantly boosts the reduction of HbA1c and diminishes the risk of ASCVD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, offering a superior alternative to standard care. The results underscore the potential of precision diabetes management through advanced digital solutions.

The rising tide of cyberattacks on healthcare systems

The cybersecurity landscape within the healthcare sector is facing an unprecedented level of threat, with attacks growing both in frequency and severity. Notably, Rick Pollack, President and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA), described the Change Healthcare cyberattack as “the most significant and consequential incident of its kind against the US healthcare system in history.” This incident starkly illustrates the escalating challenges that cyber threats pose to healthcare operations and patient safety.

The February cyberattack on Change Healthcare, the largest US billing and payment system, severely disrupted the processing of millions of patients’ prescriptions and other services, delaying access to crucial medications and care. Even two months post-attack, an AHA survey indicated that numerous medical practices were on the brink of closure due to the financial impact of unpaid claims, thereby endangering patient access to medical services.

This is not an isolated event; the healthcare sector has witnessed several crippling cyberattacks over recent years. For instance, in May 2017, the global WannaCry ransomware attack disrupted a third of hospital trusts across NHS England, resulting in the cancellation of nearly 7,000 appointments and rendering medical staff unable to access vital patient data. Moreover, in May 2021, a ransomware attack on Ireland’s Department of Health and Health Service Executive affected over 80% of their IT infrastructure, compromised the personal data of almost 100,000 individuals, and led to widespread service cancellations.

The financial aftermath of these cyberattacks can be staggering. The Change Healthcare hack alone is estimated to potentially cost up to $1.6 billion. According to the European Repository of Cyber Incidents, there has been a significant global increase in cyberattacks on healthcare, with reported incidents rising from 32 in 2022 to 121 in 2023.

The increasing reliance on interconnected digital technologies such as electronic health records, medical devices, and AI-supported diagnostic tools, especially accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has heightened vulnerabilities. Many healthcare providers continue to utilise outdated technologies, increasing susceptibility to attacks. The complex digital interconnectivity within the sector provides cybercriminals with numerous potential entry points to exploit, posing a formidable challenge to system security.

Despite the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures, investment in this area remains insufficient. A recent survey by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society revealed that US healthcare organisations allocate only an average of 7% of their spending to cybersecurity, significantly lower than the 11-12% average across other sectors. This underinvestment is even more pronounced in low and middle-income countries, where the lack of infrastructure and regulatory frameworks exacerbates the risks.

The healthcare sector must prioritise the advancement of cybersecurity to align with or surpass the protections afforded in other critical infrastructure sectors. Enhanced research into the specific risks and vulnerabilities faced by healthcare systems is essential, along with strategic planning to mitigate these risks effectively. Furthermore, simple yet critical security practices, such as implementing two-factor authentication and educating about phishing scams, are vital steps in safeguarding against potential cyber threats. As the landscape of cybersecurity evolves, the focus must remain firm on protecting the integrity of healthcare systems and the safety of patients, affirming that cybersecurity is not merely an IT concern but a fundamental healthcare imperative.

How Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are changing the fight against obesity

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), initially developed for diabetes management, are gaining recognition for their role in aiding individuals with obesity, especially those at risk of developing diabetes. With these devices soon to be available over-the-counter in the United States, there is a new frontier in proactive health monitoring.

Lori Wenz, a nurse practitioner at Western Colorado Weight Care in Grand Junction, Colorado, discussed the expanding use of CGMs beyond their traditional scope during her presentation at the 2024 Obesity Medicine Association conference. She emphasised that CGMs not only enhance patient motivation by improving awareness of how diet and activity impact metabolic health but also play a crucial role in adherence to nutritional guidance and pharmacotherapy.

A significant proportion of the American adult population remains unaware of their pre-diabetic or diabetic status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 38% of adults have pre-diabetes, of which up to 80% are unaware. Additionally, around 23% of the 11.6% of Americans diagnosed with diabetes are also ignorant of their condition. Notably, up to 90% of those diagnosed with diabetes have either overweight or obesity, highlighting the intertwined nature of obesity and diabetes.

The off-label use of CGMs in obesity management is gaining acceptance as both clinicians and patients become increasingly proactive in monitoring potential diabetes risks and overall health. Wenz reported a significant increase in the off-label application of CGMs over the past three to five years, attributed largely to technological advancements that have reduced costs and enhanced device integration with mobile technology.

CGMs are particularly useful in diagnosing pre-diabetes and managing glucose levels to delay or even reverse the progression to diabetes. The devices provide real-time glucose readings, revealing the impact of lifestyle choices on glucose fluctuations, which can be a revelation for many users. This encourages more informed decisions about diet and exercise, leading to better health outcomes.

In a significant development, the FDA recently approved the Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor System, the first over-the-counter CGM, for individuals over 18 who are not on insulin therapy. This device, which provides glucose measurements every 15 minutes and can be worn for up to 15 days, represents a major step forward in making glucose monitoring more accessible.

Despite the advantages, the use of CGMs in non-diabetic patients presents unique challenges. There are no established glucose norms for individuals without diabetes, and interpreting CGM data can be complicated. Moreover, alarms designed for diabetic users can be bothersome for those without the condition, potentially disrupting sleep and causing undue stress.

Alaina Vidmar, MD, at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, discussed the benefits of CGMs in paediatric obesity interventions. Real-time glucose data helps educate young patients about their body’s reactions to different foods and reinforces adherence to dietary restrictions, which is crucial for effective weight management and prevention of diabetes.

The advent of over-the-counter CGMs is poised to transform the landscape of obesity management and diabetes prevention. As the market expands and prices become more competitive, these devices offer a promising tool for individuals to take control of their health, potentially averting the progression to diabetes and improving overall metabolic health. The holistic integration of CGMs with innovative health strategies, pharmacotherapy, and even surgery holds the promise of enhancing life quality and longevity for individuals with obesity.

NICE approves digital health therapies for psychosis treatment in the NHS

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has officially approved three innovative digital therapies for incorporation into the treatment of psychosis within the NHS, pending further investigation into their benefits. This provisional approval, part of an early value assessment, encompasses AVATAR Therapy, SlowMo, and CareLoop, each targeting different aspects of psychosis management.

AVATAR Therapy utilises sophisticated software to create a digital representation or avatar of the distressing voices often heard by individuals suffering from psychosis. This digital approach involves patients in therapeutic dialogues spanning six to twelve sessions, wherein a mental health professional animates the avatar. This interaction is designed to facilitate a tripartite conversation, aiming to reduce the impact of auditory hallucinations.

SlowMo, on the other hand, emerges from a collaboration between the Psychosis Research Partnership at King’s College London and the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design at the Royal College of Art. This therapy employs a web application linked to a smart device to help individuals recognise and moderate the rapid thought processes associated with psychosis, particularly paranoia. By slowing down these thoughts, the therapy aims to lessen the distress they cause.

The third therapy, CareLoop, is an application focused on preventing relapses. It enables patients to document their symptoms, thoughts, and feelings through a journaling feature and structured questionnaires. An underlying algorithm analyses these entries to detect early signs of potential relapse, allowing healthcare teams to intervene promptly.

These three digital health technologies are now available for use within NHS care teams on the condition that they actively collect and share data on their effectiveness over a three-year period, providing annual reports to NICE.

Furthermore, a separate assessment by NICE has recognised the potential of gameChangeVR, a virtual reality technology, for treating severe agoraphobic avoidance in individuals with psychosis, marking another step forward in digital health solutions for mental health.

NICE’s reports underline several advantages these digital therapies may offer, including improved accessibility to mental health services—which are currently under high demand and unevenly distributed across the NHS. These technologies not only provide an alternative treatment option for those unable to access traditional psychological interventions but also require no specialised training in cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp), potentially broadening the pool of mental health professionals who can deliver these services. Additionally, when integrated with standard care, these digital solutions could decrease the frequency of therapy sessions needed.

Earlier in the year, NICE also supported the use of Brainomix’s stroke management software, further demonstrating its commitment to integrating digital health technologies into healthcare provision.

AI enhances physician-patient communication, study reveals

UC San Diego Health, as one of the initial health institutions in the United States to integrate generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into the Epic Systems electronic health record system, is at the forefront of digital health innovation. This integration facilitates the drafting of replies to patient inquiries, marking a significant step forward in medical communication.

The findings from a recent study conducted by the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Network Open on April 15, 2024, reveal that while AI-generated drafts did not shorten the time physicians took to respond, they significantly reduced the mental effort required by doctors by providing an initial empathetic draft. This allows physicians to refine the message rather than composing one from scratch.

This pioneering study represents the first randomised prospective evaluation focused on AI-drafted messages within physician-patient communication, highlighting its potential to alleviate some of the cognitive demands on healthcare providers.

Christopher Longhurst, MD, the senior author of the study and a leading figure at UC San Diego Health, emphasised the utility of AI in addressing challenges within health systems, notably the surge in patient communications contributing to physician burnout. He pointed out that the lengthier AI-drafted messages suggest enhanced quality and that physicians have expressed appreciation for the assistance, which lessens their cognitive load.

The research underscores the role of GenAI in improving the quality, efficiency, and engagement of digital healthcare interactions. By reducing the workload on physicians, AI allows them to concentrate on the more intricate aspects of patient care, thereby aiming to mitigate burnout.

Ming Tai-Seale, PhD, MPH, the lead author and a professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine, described generative AI as a collaborative tool that assists physicians, who may receive around 200 messages per week, in overcoming writer’s block by providing a foundation for crafting empathetic responses to patients.

The enduring high demand for digital communication between patients and physicians, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to the widespread use of patient portals like MyUCSDChart. These systems facilitate direct emails to doctors but also increase the pressure for timely responses, a demand that many physicians struggle to meet efficiently.

In response, UC San Diego Health initiated a pilot program with Epic Systems in April 2023 to employ GenAI for drafting responses to non-urgent patient queries. The AI-generated drafts include a disclaimer to inform patients of the AI’s involvement before the messages are reviewed and personalised by the responding physician.

Despite not reducing response times, the AI helps compose more detailed and compassionate replies, which are valued by patients. According to Marlene Millen, MD, another co-author and chief medical information officer for ambulatory care at UC San Diego Health, the AI’s ability to maintain consistent performance, regardless of the time of day, provides significant support in drafting empathetic messages that integrate relevant patient information.

While the study did not find time savings in message drafting, the qualitative benefits suggest a potential shift in healthcare communication practices. Further research is needed to evaluate patient perceptions of the enhanced empathy and detail in AI-assisted replies.

Since May 2023, UC San Diego Health and the Jacobs Center for Health Innovation have been rigorously testing GenAI models, exploring their safe and innovative applications in healthcare settings, thereby paving the way for future advancements in the field.

Pioneering AI tool developed by NHS teams to transform patient care

A ground-breaking artificial intelligence (AI) tool, designed to forecast patient health trajectories, has been developed by a collaboration of healthcare researchers within the NHS. Dubbed “Foresight,” this innovative tool is poised to revolutionise clinical decision-making processes, enhance monitoring in healthcare environments, and bolster clinical trials.

The development team is composed of specialists from two NHS foundation trusts in London—King’s College Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’—as well as academic experts from King’s College and University College London. Utilising the Cogstack platform, which is renowned for its capability in information retrieval and extraction, Foresight leverages natural language processing to efficiently mine data from NHS electronic health records. This allows the tool to be trained on vast amounts of healthcare data, employing a deep learning methodology to identify intricate patterns within both structured and unstructured data sources.

A critical evaluation published in The Lancet Digital Health illustrates Foresight’s effectiveness: the tool successfully predicted the next ten possible health disorders in a patient’s timeline with impressive accuracy rates—68% at King’s College Hospital, 76% at Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and an outstanding 88% with the US-based MIMIC-III dataset.

The tool’s utility was further underscored through a practical test where five clinicians created 34 hypothetical patient timelines based on simulated scenarios. An impressive 93% of the predictions made by Foresight were deemed clinically relevant, affirming their practical applicability in real-world settings.

According to a report from the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, Foresight’s capabilities are not limited to forecasting; it can also emulate clinical trials, facilitate longitudinal research, generate synthetic datasets, and simulate interventions to study disease progression. Professor Richard Dobson, a leading figure in medical informatics at King’s College London and the senior author of the study, expressed enthusiasm about the multitude of applications for Foresight. He highlighted its potential in creating digital health twins and advancing medical education, among other uses.

Professor Dobson emphasised the importance of employing high-quality data to refine AI models and expressed a vision for expanded collaboration. His aim is to involve more hospitals in the development of “Foresight 2,” an iteration that promises even greater accuracy through enhanced language models.

This initiative has garnered substantial support, receiving funding from the NHS AI Lab, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and Health Data Research UK (HDRUK). Professor Andrew Morris, director of HDRUK, noted that the success of such innovations hinges on the quality and representativeness of the data used. He advocated for continued investment in the UK’s data infrastructure to ensure these advancements can be realised in a manner that is both secure and respectful of patient privacy.

Digital health platform reduces hospital stay for surgery patients

A recent study has highlighted the significant benefits of a digital health platform named Pip Care in enhancing the postoperative recovery process for patients undergoing surgery. The research, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, demonstrates the platform’s ability to reduce hospital stays through effective engagement with patients and integration of personalised recovery strategies.

Pip Care is designed to support patients throughout their perioperative journey by offering personalised care plans and connecting them with certified health coaches. These coaches collaborate with the patients’ surgical teams to provide tailored guidance and daily recovery tasks. The platform’s objective is to foster patient adherence to recovery plans, thus improving surgical outcomes.

The study was conducted in collaboration between UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Researchers invited patients scheduled for elective surgeries at an academic medical centre over a period from November 22, 2022, to March 27, 2023, to participate in the platform from approximately two to four weeks pre-surgery to four weeks post-surgery. Out of 283 patients approached, 172 (60.8%) enrolled in the study. A notable 83.1% of these participants engaged in one or more health coaching sessions, with 97.2% proceeding to surgery, surpassing the industry’s typical 90% to 93% surgical adherence rates. Post-surgery, 70.3% continued to engage with the platform.

The platform maintained an impressive 82% weekly engagement rate, with patients frequently attending multiple health coaching sessions. Feedback gathered from 95 survey submissions revealed high levels of satisfaction, with many patients affirming that the coaching significantly aided their perioperative experience.

A comparative analysis between 128 patients using the Pip Care platform and 268 non-users undergoing the same procedures at the same hospital showed that platform users experienced a 24% reduction in postoperative hospital stay. Specifically, the average stay for Pip Care users was 2.4 days compared to 3.1 days for those not using the service. However, both groups recorded similar rates of return to emergency departments within 30 days post-operation.

Dr. Aman Mahajan, MD, PhD, Peter and Eva Safar Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, emphasised the challenge of ensuring adherence to perioperative care plans. He noted, “Ensuring that patients follow through with their prescribed perioperative care plans is crucial for their health and recovery outcomes, but achieving this adherence is often challenging.” Dr. Mahajan hailed the integration of this hybrid digital-telemedicine platform as a significant advancement in clinical care, offering ease of use for both patients and clinicians while enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction with surgical procedures.

This study contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting digital healthcare’s role in improving the continuity of care in surgery. For instance, a 2022 study from the University of Alabama Birmingham indicated that telehealth interventions had substantially reduced no-show rates among surgical patients. The American College of Surgeons has endorsed telehealth, recognising its potential to enhance access to surgical care, especially for patients in remote or underserved areas, and to empower patients in their health care journeys by facilitating active participation in virtual consultations.

Nvidia collaborates with hippocratic AI to pioneer AI healthcare ‘agents’ surpassing nurse efficiency at reduced costs

In an ambitious move to revolutionise healthcare delivery, Nvidia, renowned for its advanced chip technology, has joined forces with the artificial intelligence healthcare innovator, Hippocratic AI, to introduce cutting-edge generative AI “agents.” These agents, designed to offer empathetic healthcare interactions, significantly outstrip the capabilities of human nurses in video call engagements while being markedly more economical.

Announced recently, this partnership focuses on the creation of “empathetic healthcare agents” that leverage Nvidia’s robust computing power, combined with training from Hippocratic’s specialised healthcare-focused large language models (LLMs). These agents are engineered to establish a deeper human connection with patients through highly responsive, super-low latency conversational dynamics.

The efficacy of Hippocratic’s AI agents has been rigorously evaluated through tests involving over 1,000 registered nurses and 100 licensed physicians across the United States. Additionally, numerous healthcare providers are currently experimenting with these AI bots for a variety of non-diagnostic tasks within their operations.

The results from these evaluations are compelling, demonstrating the AI’s superior performance not only against leading AI rivals, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4 and the LLaMA 2 70B Chat, but also surpassing human nurses in every tested category. The AI’s Constellation model demonstrated remarkable proficiency, outperforming human nurses by significant margins in several key areas. These include identifying the effects of medications on lab values (79% versus 63%), pinpointing condition-specific contraindications for over-the-counter medications (88% to 45%), accurately comparing lab values against reference ranges (96% to 93%), and detecting toxic dosages of over-the-counter drugs (81% to 57%).

This collaboration between Nvidia and Hippocratic AI is presented as a strategic solution to alleviate the pressing shortage of healthcare workers in the U.S. Munjal Shah, co-founder and CEO of Hippocratic AI, emphasised the dual objectives of refining their technology to address staffing shortages while simultaneously improving access, equity, and patient outcomes in healthcare.

Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s vice president of healthcare, highlighted the transformative potential of voice-based digital agents powered by generative AI, positing that such technology can herald a new era of abundance in healthcare, provided it can interact with patients with human-like responsiveness.

An added advantage of these AI-powered agents is their cost-effectiveness. Operating at a mere $9 per hour, these agents represent a fraction of the cost associated with employing human nurses, who, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, commanded a median hourly wage of $39.05 in 2022. This cost efficiency, coupled with their superior performance, positions Nvidia and Hippocratic AI’s generative AI agents as a promising advancement in the field of healthcare.

Artificial intelligence discovers potential plant extracts for obesity treatment

In an innovative study utilising artificial intelligence (AI), researchers have identified two plant-based compounds with the potential to act as GLP-1 agonist weight loss medications. This significant finding will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2024), set to take place in Venice from 12th to 15th May, 2024.

GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have proven highly effective in aiding weight loss. These agents work by emulating the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, which interacts with receptors in cells to diminish appetite and hunger sensations, decelerate gastric emptying, and enhance satiety following meals.

Despite their efficacy, the quest for alternatives is imperative, according to Elena Murcia from the Structural Bioinformatics and High-Performance Computing Research Group (BIO-HPC) & Eating Disorders Research Unit at the Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Spain. She notes the presence of side effects associated with current GLP-1 agonists, including gastrointestinal discomfort and mental health fluctuations, such as anxiety and irritability. Moreover, discontinuation of these treatments often leads to weight regain.

A significant limitation of current GLP-1 agonists, which are peptide-based, is their susceptibility to degradation by stomach enzymes, necessitating administration via injection rather than oral intake.

The search for non-peptide alternatives has recently identified two promising synthetic compounds, TTOAD2 and orforglipron. However, Murcia and her team are driven to discover natural counterparts that might offer similar benefits with potentially fewer side effects and simpler administration methods.

Employing high-performance AI techniques, the team embarked on a quest to identify non-peptide, plant-derived compounds capable of activating the GLP-1 receptor. Their investigation began with a virtual screening of over 10,000 compounds, aiming to pinpoint those that could bind to the GLP-1 receptor. Subsequent AI analyses assessed the similarity of these bonds to the natural interaction between the GLP-1 hormone and its receptor. This led to the selection of 100 compounds for further visual scrutiny to evaluate their interaction with crucial receptor residues.

A mathematical approach involving Venn diagrams helped distil the search to 65 potential GLP-1R agonists, among which “Compound A” and “Compound B” showed strong binding affinity to critical receptor sites, akin to the synthetic compounds TTOAD2 and orforglipron.

These compounds, derived from commonly known plants with historically recognised metabolic benefits, are currently under laboratory examination. Pending patent approvals, further specifics about these plants and compounds remain confidential, with aspirations for future pill-form administration.

Murcia highlights the nascent stage of developing these natural source-derived GLP-1 agonists. Should the AI-predicted efficacy be validated through in vitro studies and subsequent clinical trials, these compounds could offer new therapeutic avenues for obesity management.

She further emphasises the advantages of computer-based research methodologies, including cost and time efficiency, the capacity for rapid large-scale data analysis, experimental design flexibility, and pre-emptive ethical and safety risk assessments. These simulations exploit AI capabilities to tackle complex challenges, providing invaluable preliminary insights in the quest for novel pharmaceutical solutions.

Digital health and wellness tools lead to fewer GP visits in the UK

In a striking advancement for digital healthcare, Primary Care Networks (PCNs) leveraging the Holly Health digital wellness and behaviour modification platform have reported a notable decline in the demand for GP consultations. This pioneering tool aids patients in adopting and maintaining healthier behaviours in a lasting manner, which has led to fewer medical appointments being necessary.

Analysis indicates that for individuals engaging with the service for a minimum of eight weeks, there was a reduction of 0.22 appointments per eight-week cycle. Projected over the span of a year, this translates to 1.4 fewer GP visits for each user of the platform.

Crucially, the most profound decreases in appointments have been observed among patients categorised within higher risk brackets. Those managing Type 2 diabetes have seen an astonishing average decline of 6.5 GP appointments annually. This statistic is derived from data accumulated over an eight-week period. Similarly, individuals afflicted with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease witnessed an average annual reduction of 3.25 GP visits.

The platform not only facilitates a decrease in healthcare demand but also significantly enhances patients’ health outcomes. Users have reported marked improvements in physical activity, mood, and the ability to manage their health effectively, thanks to the digital tool’s support in cultivating beneficial physical and mental health habits aimed at bolstering long-term wellbeing.

Grace Gimson, CEO and co-founder of Holly Health, expressed immense pride in the tangible benefits the platform has delivered: “The compelling outcomes data from our coaching and habit transformation platform is a testament to our commitment to improving health. On an individual level, it’s heartening to see our system empower patients with effective behavioural changes and enhanced health outcomes.

“From a broader perspective, these achievements underscore the transformative potential of patient-oriented technology on healthcare systems and the sustainability of the NHS. We’re keenly anticipating the results of a forthcoming randomised control trial with Northumbria Primary Care, with a special emphasis on patients contending with multiple health conditions.”

To date, the Holly Health service has reached over 35,000 individuals through partnerships with more than 180 NHS primary care facilities. A noteworthy implementation in Scotland’s Ayrshire region promises personalised assistance to over 5,000 local patients annually, benefiting more than 250,000 community members.

This service has not only reduced the frequency of healthcare appointments but also demonstrated particularly positive outcomes among patients with higher health risks. An evaluation involving over 70 local patients showed a potential yearly reduction of 1.95 GP visits per patient, following at least eight weeks of utilising the service.

Notable health improvements in this community include an 18% improvement in mental wellbeing among users initially assessed with low to medium mood levels, based on the Office of National Statistics Four (ONS4) Wellbeing criteria. Additionally, there was a 15% increase in physical activity levels among participants who were initially categorised with low to medium exercise habits.

Alexia Pellowe, Clinical Director at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, shared her enthusiasm: “Our collaboration with Holly Health aligns with our goal to make a significant, region-wide impact through prevention and early intervention. The promising shift in patient outcomes and the demonstration of cost-effectiveness are invigorating. It heralds a promising phase for our services as we aim to mitigate long-term healthcare burdens through enhanced preventive measures and encouraging self-management among individuals with multiple chronic conditions.”

Furthermore, in August, it was announced that Holly Health had formed a partnership with Age UK Lewisham and Southwark, alongside leading national and community services, to offer mental and physical health coaching to individuals aged 50 to 70+ across the UK. This initiative underscores Holly Health’s commitment to broadening its impact, fostering a healthier nation through innovative digital solutions.

California healthcare giant drives digital health forward with innovative AI centre in San Francisco

Nestled within a spacious and modern environment, boasting stunning vistas of the Bay Bridge, a dynamic team that could easily be mistaken for a tech startup’s brightest is on the brink of revolutionising health care delivery. Sutter Health has inaugurated an “innovation centre” at the iconic Pier 1 in San Francisco, situated just a few strides from the bustling Ferry Building. This centre is the crucible where the future of healthcare, infused with the latest in mobile technology and artificial intelligence (AI), is being forged.

As the most expansive health system in Northern California, Sacramento-headquartered Sutter has embarked on this venture with a seven-year lease of an 11,000-square-foot office space, opened for its employees just this month. This initiative is not merely an expansion but a declaration of Sutter’s commitment to San Francisco and, more importantly, to AI as an indispensable component of future health care paradigms. This commitment comes at a critical juncture, contrasting sharply with the trend of businesses scaling down or exiting the city.

Sutter Health is no stranger to San Francisco, operating two significant hospitals within the city’s bounds – CPMC Van Ness and CPMC Mission Bernal. Although it previously maintained non-clinical office spaces in the city, the pandemic prompted a shift towards remote work, leading to the closure of its Battery Street office. The newly launched innovation centre, however, marks the first dedicated space for Sutter’s engineers, developers, and designers to collaborate closely with tech firms on digital health applications and remote monitoring systems aimed at integrating health care seamlessly into the fabric of daily life.

Chris Waugh, Sutter’s chief innovation officer, highlights the strategic importance of this centre as a significant leap forward. It will not only serve as a showcase for technologies developed in-house, such as the Scout mobile app for monitoring adolescent mental health and the Continuous Care Program for home-based blood pressure management for hypertension patients, but it will also feature futuristic concepts like a prototype “hospital room of the future”. This room will be equipped with devices that not only automate the updating of medical records but also offer a space where patients can receive assistance with digital health applications, reminiscent of a Genius Bar setup like in Apple stores.

The centre’s role extends beyond the confines of physical health examinations. It is envisaged as a virtual health care hub, where Sutter’s health coaches will provide tele-health services, from consultations to health management advice, through digital screens.

Moreover, Sutter is advancing the development of digital tools designed for home use. These include sensors for beds, refrigerators, and stoves that can detect changes in daily movement patterns, potentially alerting to health risks such as falls – a significant concern for the elderly population.

In a bid to further entrench itself in the digital health landscape, Sutter is cultivating partnerships with tech firms specialising in AI and other digital health innovations. One such partnership is with Ferrum, a Sunnyvale-based tech company that offers a secure platform for accessing a suite of AI tools, including an AI-assisted program for early lung cancer detection.

Pelu Tran, CEO and co-founder of Ferrum, envisions the innovation centre as a nexus for collaborative efforts with Sutter’s clinical leaders, fostering a more proactive and extensive engagement with the Bay Area’s AI ecosystem.

The decision to locate the innovation centre at Pier 1 was influenced by its accessibility for employees commuting from various parts of the Bay Area, according to Waugh. He expresses a bullish outlook on San Francisco’s future, positioning Sutter’s investment as a pledge to the city’s resurgence. “We’re optimistic and betting on the city,” he asserts, inviting others to join in shaping San Francisco’s revival narrative.

Through this pioneering innovation centre, Sutter Health is not just betting on AI and digital technology as the future of healthcare; it is actively shaping that future, making a profound investment in the health and wellbeing of the San Francisco community and beyond.