Digital Health

Virtual care integration elevates patient access and efficiency in Canada clinic

Dr. Richard Tytus, a seasoned medical professional from Hamilton, Ontario, has long championed the merits of virtual healthcare. Being at the helm of a family health team, which comprises around 30 healthcare experts and related professionals, he’s been an early adopter of telemedicine, even before it became a mainstream approach during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discovering the Potential of Telemedicine

Driven by a commitment to cater to patients who faced physical or psychological challenges that hindered their access to healthcare, Dr. Tytus ventured into telemedicine. He recognised that certain patients were hesitant to step out of their homes due to psychological constraints, effectively limiting their medical outreach. While telephone consultations had been integrated into his practice, the introduction of video conferencing reshaped patient interactions, especially for those requiring exposure therapy.

Embracing a Comprehensive Virtual Healthcare Solution

Initially, Dr. Tytus dabbled in standard video conferencing tools to facilitate patient consultations. However, as the scope of virtual care broadened, he ventured deeper into the realm of specialised telehealth platforms. His vision was an interconnected digital space that mirrored a physical clinic: where patients could move seamlessly from reception to consultation, and even specialist evaluation if required.

Challenges he faced in the early stages of implementing telemedicine provided him with invaluable insights. For Dr. Tytus, it wasn’t merely about leveraging technology but ensuring that the essence of personal patient care wasn’t lost in the digital transition.

Choosing the Right Platform

In the vast sea of telemedicine vendors, Dr. Tytus discovered a standout platform, Banty. What distinguished Banty was not just its fortified security but also its endorsement from government entities. This validation, coupled with its successful security tests and compliance with the ISO 27001 certification, cemented its reputation for robust data protection.

Banty’s platform went beyond simple video consultations. It facilitated intra-team communication with great ease, ensured smooth transfers of patients along with their medical notes, and was adaptable to various electronic health record systems, making it highly versatile.

Measurable Improvements

Dr. Tytus emphasised that one of the most significant outcomes of integrating telemedicine has been removing accessibility barriers for patients. With the hybrid model, which merges in-person and virtual consultations, they’ve achieved not only enhanced patient access but also a boost in operational efficiency.

This operational revamp has led to a tangible surge in patient consultations. Each physician in Dr. Tytus’s team now sees an additional 6-8 patients daily. This shift has also reshaped patients’ perceptions of healthcare, offering a blended approach that caters to individual patient needs.

The technology’s intuitive design has also been a boon for healthcare professionals, allowing them to focus on patient care without grappling with tech-related challenges.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Telemedicine Adopters

For those considering a shift to telemedicine, Dr. Tytus emphasises the importance of patient usability. The system should be straightforward, minimising technical barriers. Furthermore, it should integrate seamlessly into the daily operations of healthcare professionals without a complex learning process. And, importantly, a rigid approach won’t work. The solution must be adaptable, reflecting the unique workflows of different clinics.

In conclusion, Dr. Tytus believes that the essence of telemedicine is not just technology, but the harmonious melding of technology with personalised patient care. The focus should always remain on simplifying and enhancing the healthcare experience for both patients and providers.

Digital health breakthrough with automated insulin delivery in hospital trials

Recent research indicates that the combination of automated insulin delivery and continuous glucose monitoring could be an effective method for regulating blood sugar levels in hospitalised adults suffering from diabetes.

A collaborative study from Emory University, Stanford University, and the University of Virginia recently published in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, involved the utilisation of the Omnipod 5 insulin delivery system in conjunction with the Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Over a period of 10 days, 18 hospitalised adult patients with diabetes were observed. On average, during their hospital stay, the participants’ glucose levels remained within the desired range 68% of the time. Notably, these participants utilised the automated insulin delivery system for about 95% of the trial duration.

Dr. Francisco Pasquel, from Emory University School of Medicine, highlighted the study’s implications. He stated, “The combination of an automated insulin delivery system with features suitable for hospital settings, together with real-time remote continuous glucose monitoring, offers a promising approach to optimise glucose management in hospitals. This could substantially reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.”

For this study, participants were adults, 18 years or older, with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. They were already on insulin therapy upon being admitted to the hospital. Trained medical staff and the research team utilised the automated system and the CGM to regulate each participant’s glucose levels for up to 10 days or until their discharge. The trial also included comparing the CGM’s accuracy with conventional blood glucose tests. Various data points, including medication consumption, blood components, CGM data, and insulin delivery specifics, were meticulously gathered.

By the study’s conclusion on August 8, 2022, 18 adults had participated fully. Out of these, 16 had over 48 hours of active CGM data, which was used for further glycemic analysis. The average blood sugar level recorded was 167 mg/dL. Interestingly, the daily average insulin delivery was 0.21 U/kg, while the total daily insulin dosage averaged at 0.41 U/kg. Participants also suspended insulin for approximately 20% of the time, and there were no occurrences of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.

A survey filled out by 16 participants at the end of the study revealed their experiences. All respondents were in favour of using the automated system for managing their glucose levels during their hospital stay. An impressive 94% even expressed a desire to use the system at home. However, 38% found the necessity of using finger sticks for verifying CGM data cumbersome, with 19% showing a preference for solely relying on the CGM.

The research team acknowledged certain limitations to their study, such as the limited participant number and the study’s design. They pointed out that the hands-on approach by the study’s investigators and nurses might not be easily replicated in typical hospital settings. The team advocated for more comprehensive research with randomised controlled trials to validate these preliminary findings and to better understand the broader applicability and effectiveness of automated insulin systems in varied settings.

Digital 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.

NHS 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.

Public support key to leveraging UK’s healthcare data, research suggests

The latest research from the Boston Consulting Group Centre for Growth underscores the potential held by healthcare data in the UK. The report, titled ‘Towards a healthier, wealthier UK: unlocking the value of healthcare data‘, highlights robust public support for optimising the UK’s healthcare data, emphasising its dual potential to revitalise the economy and alleviate strains on the healthcare system.

Historically, the concept of harnessing healthcare data has been proposed numerous times in the UK. Still, its full potential remains largely untapped. According to the Boston Consulting Group, the roadmap to actualising this vision rests on two pillars: gaining comprehensive public endorsement for healthcare data utilisation and redirecting its generated value back into the healthcare sector.

Empirical evidence has demonstrated the tangible benefits of leveraging healthcare data. A standout case is the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which managed to curtail £2,000 in hospital admissions for acute kidney injury patients. Their success was anchored on an innovative app which synthesised data from blood tests, medical archives, and clinical assessment tools to provide timely alerts to healthcare professionals upon identifying potential risks.

An exemplary initiative from the Netherlands further fortifies this narrative. A consortium of seven academic hospitals implemented a value-driven healthcare model, leading to a remarkable 30% decline in unnecessary patient admissions and a staggering 74% drop in follow-up surgeries due to complications. This was achieved by pinpointing the right metrics to enhance patient outcomes and fostering a culture of data-sharing across institutions.

Lord O’Shaughnessy, a luminary from Newmarket Strategy and ex-parliamentary undersecretary of state at the Department of Health, opined, “Properly harnessed healthcare data has the potential to amplify both the UK’s health standards and economic vigour. However, this transformation hinges on unshakeable public trust. Establishing this trust mandates a rigorous, inclusive, and adaptive mechanism for public engagement and decision-making.”

Contrary to prevalent misconceptions, the Boston Consulting Group’s report revealed that a staggering 90% of individuals are amenable to sharing their health data with the NHS, reiterating that this openness is contingent upon the intended use of this data. While 73% endorsed the use of their data to gauge potential health risks, 72% favoured its application in refining clinical care methodologies.

The public’s fervent desire to be privy to discussions concerning their health data’s usage was palpable. In London, this dialogue has already gained momentum with the OneLondon Citizen Advisory Group finalising recommendations for the city’s Health Data Strategy.

On the matter of monetising healthcare data, most respondents were comfortable with their data being profitable, provided a portion of the proceeds revitalises the healthcare sector or catalyses broader societal benefits.

Key Recommendations:

In its concluding remarks, the Boston Consulting Group’s report delineated actionable steps to actualise the potential of healthcare data:

1. Showcase the tangible benefits derived from accessible healthcare data to foster public comprehension and endorsement.
2. Orchestrating a cohesive public engagement drive across all NHS data-centric ventures, elucidating the tangible benefits of optimised data usage.
3. Involve the public in data-related decision-making through decision panels and data usage logs, ensuring they remain integral stakeholders in shaping the discourse.
4. Establish a central reservoir to channel the monetary value extracted from data into local NHS frameworks.

Concluding his thoughts, Lord O’Shaughnessy urged policymakers to champion a grand public outreach initiative around healthcare data, stating, “Without engaging the masses in this crucial dialogue, we stand at the precipice of forfeiting an unprecedented opportunity.”

Digital health interventions enhance care efficacy in dermatology

The world of dermatology is set to experience transformative improvements in patient care, thanks to the integration of Digital Health Interventions (DHIs). This finding is a result of a systematic review and mapping study undertaken recently by researchers. 

DHIs, as catalogued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018, span a broad range of digital tools encompassing telemedicine, mobile health apps, wearable tech, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. One of the standout benefits of telemedicine as a DHI, as highlighted by the research of Reinders et al, includes notable merits like significantly shortened waiting periods, heightened levels of patient satisfaction, and diagnostic precision on par with traditional methods.

Reinders and team elucidated that DHIs bring about enhancements through a plethora of channels. These channels range from harnessing data analytics to refine decision-making in both diagnosis and treatment, fostering effective communication among stakeholders in patient care, and bolstering patient self-management in chronic conditions. Additionally, DHIs also play a pivotal role in the proactive promotion of health-conscious behaviours.

In their quest to dive deeper into DHIs and their application in dermatology, the team undertook a comprehensive review of the MEDLINE (PubMed) database in August 2022. Their search parameters encompassed a wide range of terms, including but not limited to “digital health,” “eHealth,” “mHealth,” and specific dermatological conditions. To ensure contemporary relevance, studies before 2010 were not considered for the analysis due to the swift pace of technological progression post that period.

In terms of selection criteria, the team opted for studies that embraced quantitative methods. Additionally, studies that explored AI algorithms’ prowess were required to benchmark these algorithms against the conventional, human-driven standard of care, either in a practical real-world scenario or within a commercially available software framework.

To ensure rigorous evaluation, a consortium of 2 to 3 experts, depending on the study’s complexity, assessed the relevance and fit of all collated studies. This assessment encapsulated a diverse range of attributes, from the study’s design, origin, and participant count to its specific focus on DHI as per WHO’s classifications.

After meticulous scrutiny, a total of 403 studies were integrated into the final review. A remarkable insight was the discernible surge in DHI-centric research in recent times, predominantly in the domains of store-and-forward (S&F) teledermatology and AI-driven image analytics. A significant emphasis was noted on skin cancer identification, with 148 studies specifically focusing on this area. Other dermatological conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and wounds, also featured in DHI studies, albeit to a lesser extent.

In their concluding remarks, Reinders and team observed, “The momentum in DHI-focused studies is palpable, with an accelerating trend over the recent years. This acceleration is primarily driven by advancements in S&F teledermatology and AI applications, with a pronounced focus on skin cancer diagnosis and its intersection with healthcare providers. The gamut of DHIs evaluated across diverse user groups and varied use-cases underscores the immense potential DHIs hold for dermatology’s future. Yet, to harness the full spectrum of DHIs’ potential, there’s an evident need for deeper research, especially in areas like ongoing management of chronic skin conditions and efficient patient triage.”

Digital 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.

Cutting-edge AI tool uses x-rays to foresee diabetes risk in patients

Diabetes, a condition commonly diagnosed in adults under 65, has been increasingly observed in the senior population. As the disease advances in this age group, it often brings forth complex healthcare challenges. This highlights the need for early diagnosis, especially among older adults vulnerable to either the onset or exacerbation of diabetes symptoms.

Innovations in artificial intelligence are offering new avenues for early detection of such health conditions. These AI-powered tools, especially effective when handling vast and precise datasets, are revolutionising the early diagnosis landscape.

A trailblazing AI model, pioneered by researchers at Emory University, stands out with its unique approach. This model is engineered to discern early signs of diabetes by analysing X-ray images obtained during various medical assessments. These X-rays were originally captured for diverse medical reasons such as chest discomfort, respiratory issues, or pre- and post-operative evaluations. Notably, the AI model underwent rigorous training using a whopping 270,000 X-rays sourced from nearly 160,000 individuals.

Historically, X-rays haven’t been a standard diagnostic tool for diabetes. However, this groundbreaking AI model demonstrated its proficiency in identifying correlations between the accumulation of fatty tissues in specific body regions and an increased risk of diabetes, as highlighted by the study authors.

As a next step, the research team is keen on fine-tuning the model’s accuracy. Their vision encompasses integrating this AI tool into electronic health record (EHR) systems, aiming to equip physicians and healthcare providers with timely alerts on potential diabetes risks.

To put things in perspective, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that an alarming 300,000 elderly individuals are diagnosed with diabetes for the first time annually. Diabetes’s prevalence is soaring, with a staggering 100% increase observed over the past three and a half decades. The Endocrine Society further reveals that nearly a third of the elderly population is grappling with diabetes.

The challenge, however, doesn’t end at diagnosis. Achieving effective diabetes management, especially in long-term care environments, poses significant hurdles. It is alarming to note that certain treatments lead to a heightened hypoglycemia risk, impacting around 35% of patients, as cited by the McKnight’s Clinical Daily. Overmedication is another pressing concern, with a considerable segment of the senior population not receiving timely medication adjustments. Amidst these challenges, the medical community is optimistic about emerging treatments such as SGLT2Is, which are on the cusp of wider adoption in long-term care settings. Furthermore, recent research has illuminated the potential benefits of kombucha tea in regulating blood glucose levels, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against diabetes.

G20 presidency backs WHO’s unveiling of the Global Initiative on Digital Health

In a significant announcement made during the Health Minister’s Meeting of the G20 Summit, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined forces with the G20 India presidency to introduce the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH). This noteworthy event was held under the aegis of the Government of India.

Designed as an acronym pronounced “guide”, the GIDH serves a dual purpose. Primarily, it will function as a network and platform managed by WHO to bolster the execution of the Global Strategy on Digital Health spanning from 2020 to 2025. Furthermore, WHO is entrusted with the responsibility of acting as the Secretariat, whose role is to synchronise global standards, assimilate best practices, and marshal resources. The ultimate objective is to expedite the transformation of the digital health system on a global scale.

The Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed gratitude towards the G20 nations and the G20 India Presidency for acknowledging WHO’s unparalleled capabilities in this sector. He underscored WHO’s dedication to this cause, emphasising, “It necessitates the collective effort of the G20, development allies, and global institutions to realise our shared vision. WHO is firmly committed to augmenting countries’ capacities, aiming to enhance the availability of reliable digital solutions. Our vision is a future that epitomises health, safety, and equity.”

India’s Union Health Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, reflecting on the event, stated, “This day will be etched in the annals of the G20 Health Working Group’s history. The member countries not only recognised a pressing priority but also collaborated fervently to bring it to fruition.” He went on to highlight that the Global Initiative on Digital Health is a pivotal achievement during India’s tenure as the G20 Presidency.

Tracing back to 2005, the inception of the WHO resolution on ehealth paved the way for the development and endorsement of the WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health. Since then, an impressive tally of over 120 WHO member nations have conceptualised and implemented a national digital health strategy or policy.

The unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the potency of digital health interventions. While numerous nations leveraged digital health tools, many articulated a pressing need. Their focus shifted from mere product-centric and experimental digital health ventures to a more structured national digital health framework. This framework would encompass effective governance, comprehensive policy guidelines, and a skilled health workforce adept at selecting, maintaining, and tailoring digital health solutions.

The GIDH has charted a clear roadmap for its mission, which includes:

• Crafting well-defined, priority-centric investment blueprints for the digital health evolution.
  
• Enhancing the visibility and reporting of digital health assets.
  
• Encouraging the dissemination of knowledge and fostering collaboration across diverse geographies to catalyse growth.
  
• Championing unified government-led strategies for digital health governance at the national level.
  
• Augmenting both technical and monetary backing for the roll-out of the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020–2025 and its subsequent phases.

In a testament to its commitment, WHO, along with its partners, declared significant pledges both in monetary terms and resources from a diverse set of stakeholders, marking the grand unveiling of the GIDH.

The promise of digital health is profound. It is viewed as a catalyst propelling improved health outcomes, aligned with the aspiration of achieving Universal Health Coverage and the health-centric Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The myriad benefits of digital health range from empowering individuals on their health odysseys, facilitating healthcare providers in adhering to best practices and delivering exemplary care, to invigorating the entire health infrastructure through optimised supply chains and effective workforce administration.

Revolutionising patient care: South Yorkshire’s cutting-edge digital health hub

Set to transform patient care, the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub is a groundbreaking £4 million project with ambitious goals. It aims to revolutionise the treatment and diagnosis of diseases for a population of 1.4 million people living in a region heavily impacted by high disease prevalence and pronounced health inequalities. This initiative, led by the University of Sheffield, leverages innovative digital technologies to shape the future of healthcare.

Utilising state-of-the-art tools and techniques, the hub intends to pioneer cutting-edge research using data gleaned from smartphones, wearables, novel sensors, and the National Health Service (NHS) data. In addition to these, artificial intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role in the development of new clinical tools. This paradigm shift is set to redefine personalised patient care and facilitate disease management effectively.

The South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub has an impressive roster of partners, including Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, local General Practitioners (GPs), mental health services, the Sheffield Integrated Care System, businesses, and patient and public groups. The collective intelligence of these stakeholders will forge a robust knowledge pool, capitalising on the region’s existing prowess in developing digital health technologies.

The Hub, among five across the UK, has been granted part of £16.5 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Health Ageing and Wellbeing and Tackling Infections UKRI Strategic Themes. This financial backing aims to address four central healthcare challenges: antimicrobial resistance, disease prediction, diagnosis and intervention, out-of-hospital care, and tackling health disparities through the development and deployment of digital healthcare technologies.

The project targets both urban and rural populations, working towards addressing the unique healthcare needs shaped by significant health and social inequalities. Simultaneously, it offers a blueprint for stimulating economic growth in the region through digital skills training, networking, and knowledge exchange, bridging various stakeholders in the digital health sphere.

The South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub also proposes to deliver specialist health training online, accessible freely to researchers, clinicians, patients, and the public. Professor Tim Chico, Director of the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Sheffield, underscored the urgency of this investment. He emphasised the critical role of this state-of-the-art health technology research in tackling health disparities and high disease burden, including heart and lung diseases, cancer, and mental health issues prevalent in the region.

Echoing his sentiments, Professor Steve Haake, Deputy Director of the Digital Health Hub, envisions a future where digital health tools leverage real-time data from daily life. This transformation empowers patients and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions in a timely manner. Under the aegis of the hub, patients, clinicians, companies, and the public will have the autonomy to design their own apps and tools, bolstering their successful integration within the NHS.

Local authorities have thrown their weight behind the establishment of the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub. Oliver Coppard, Mayor of the South Yorkshire Combined Authority, hailed the initiative as an instrumental step towards confronting health inequalities plaguing the region. He lauded the collaborative efforts between the NHS, universities, and the business community in highlighting South Yorkshire’s cutting-edge health and wellbeing sector, asserting its role as a global frontrunner in healthcare innovation.

Forming part of a more extensive £36.5 million investment in healthcare technology from the EPSRC, the Digital Healthcare Hubs, including the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, aim to spearhead innovative healthcare solutions. By leveraging advancements in robotics, computer modelling, and imaging, these hubs are set to redefine healthcare outcomes.

The South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, with its robust collaboration among diverse stakeholders and focus on digital technologies, stands at the forefront of healthcare innovation. By addressing gaps in healthcare delivery and harnessing digital innovation, the hub holds significant promise in reshaping patient care, not only in South Yorkshire but far beyond its borders.

Pioneering digital health startups target U.S. maternal health challenges

The escalating maternal health crisis in the U.S., highlighted by a disconcerting 40% surge in maternal deaths during or shortly after pregnancy to 1,205 in 2021, is instigating an urgent response from the digital health sector. Startups like Pomelo Care, Maven Clinic, and Babyscripts are harnessing virtual services to bridge the maternal care gaps and mitigate pregnancy-related complications, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

This alarmingly high mortality rate was a significant topic at The Wall Street Journal Health Forum in March. Here, Chelsea Clinton, through her venture-capital firm Metrodora Ventures, stressed the imperative need for intensified support towards women’s health. Clinton is an investor in Oula Health, a startup that’s diving into the sphere of maternal care.

Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. could have been prevented. Major underlying causes of these fatalities include mental health disorders, heart conditions, and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Digital health startups aim to leverage telehealth and app technologies to identify and manage these health conditions proactively, thereby preventing potentially fatal complications. While technology isn’t the panacea, it undeniably enhances access to medical services and compensates for the scarcity of healthcare professionals, thereby promoting equitable care delivery.

Dr. Kathaleen Barker, an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, emphasised the role of technology in equalising access to prenatal care. Baystate Health, a healthcare system in Western Massachusetts, utilises Babyscripts technology.

Investor-backed Babyscripts, headquartered in Washington D.C., collaborates with over 70 U.S. health systems. Co-founder and Chief Executive Anish Sebastian stated that Babyscripts, also known as 1EQ, offers patients a blood-pressure monitor that pairs with an app via Bluetooth. This technological intervention aims to preempt conditions such as preeclampsia, a condition characterised by high blood pressure and signs of liver or kidney damage that can arise after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Pomelo Care, a New York-based virtual clinic, aims to supplement in-person care by providing services between doctors’ appointments. Having secured $33 million in seed and Series A funding led by Andreessen Horowitz, Pomelo Care assigns a nurse to each patient to oversee their care. After assessing the patient’s needs and health claims data, the nurse assembles a personalised care team.

Pomelo Care operates on a value-based business model that encourages improving patient access to care, enhancing outcomes, and reducing costs. The company plans to validate its effectiveness through studies conducted in collaboration with insurers and academic medical centres, with the findings set to be published.

Another player in the field, Maven Clinic, grants virtual access to an array of services, such as doulas, midwives, physical therapists, and mental health care. Maven has devised a tool to screen for social needs like access to housing, food, and essentials for the family and baby.

The stark truth is that women’s health has been neglected in the U.S., resulting in many women living in maternal-care deserts where access to services is challenging. The conversation about this issue is just starting at the national level, noted Kate Ryder, founder, and CEO of Maven Clinic. However, these innovative digital health startups are undoubtedly setting the stage for a more promising, tech-driven future in maternal healthcare.

Revolutionary AI tool forecasts pancreatic cancer risk up to three years in advance

Ground-breaking research spearheaded by Harvard Medical School, in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, VA Boston Healthcare System, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) instrument capable of identifying individuals at the greatest risk of developing pancreatic cancer up to three years before diagnosis, using solely their medical records.

The study, published in Nature Medicine on May 8, indicates that implementing AI-driven population screening could be a key strategy in detecting those at a high risk of pancreatic cancer earlier. This could, in turn, hasten the diagnosis of a condition often detected at advanced stages when treatment options are less effective, resulting in poorer outcomes. Pancreatic cancer, one of the world’s deadliest malignancies, is anticipated to increase its mortality toll.

At present, there is an absence of population-wide screening tools for pancreatic cancer. Targeted screenings are performed for individuals with certain genetic mutations or a family history that increases their risk of developing the disease. However, these screenings may overlook other cases not fitting these criteria, the researchers highlighted.

The study’s co-senior investigator, Chris Sander, a faculty member in the Department of Systems Biology at the Blavatnik Institute at HMS, underscored the significance of the AI tool. “Deciding who is at a high risk for a disease and would benefit from additional testing is one of the most challenging determinations clinicians have to make. The tests can be more invasive, more costly, and carry their own risks. An AI tool that accurately identifies those at the highest risk for pancreatic cancer and who would gain the most from additional tests could greatly enhance clinical decision-making.”

If implemented widely, this AI-driven method could expedite the detection of pancreatic cancer, lead to earlier treatment, and improve patient outcomes, possibly extending their life spans.

“AI-driven screening provides the opportunity to change the course of pancreatic cancer, a formidable disease that is exceptionally challenging to diagnose early and treat promptly,” said study co-senior investigator Søren Brunak, a professor of disease systems biology and research director at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research at the University of Copenhagen.

In this novel study, the researchers trained the AI algorithm on two separate data sets, containing a total of 9 million patient records from Denmark and the United States. They instructed the AI model to identify potential signs of pancreatic cancer risk based on the data in the records.

The model could predict patients likely to develop pancreatic cancer in the future by identifying combinations of disease codes and the timing of their occurrence. Interestingly, many of the symptoms and disease codes were not directly related to or derived from the pancreas.

The researchers evaluated different versions of the AI models for their capacity to identify individuals at a heightened risk of disease development over different timescales – 6 months, one year, two years, and three years.

Overall, each iteration of the AI algorithm proved considerably more precise in predicting who would develop pancreatic cancer than current estimates of disease incidence in the general population. The researchers proposed that the model is likely as accurate in predicting disease onset as the existing genetic sequencing tests, which are generally only accessible to a small subset of patients in data sets.

Screening techniques for certain prevalent cancers, such as breast, cervix, and prostate cancer, rely on relatively straightforward and highly effective techniques, such as a mammogram, a Pap smear, and a blood test. These methods have significantly improved the outcomes for these diseases by ensuring early detection and intervention.

In contrast, pancreatic cancer poses greater challenges and costs in terms of screening and testing. Doctors predominantly focus on family history and the presence of genetic mutations. While these are crucial indicators of future risk, they often overlook many patients.

The AI tool presents a significant advantage in its potential applicability to any patient for whom health records and medical history are available, not solely those with a known family history or genetic predisposition for the disease. This is particularly important, the researchers noted, because many patients at a high risk may not be aware of their genetic predisposition or family history.

In the absence of clear indications that a person is at high risk for pancreatic cancer and without symptoms, clinicians may understandably hesitate to recommend more sophisticated and costlier testing methods such as CT scans, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound.

When these tests are performed and suspicious lesions are detected, the patient must undergo a procedure to obtain a biopsy. Given its deep placement in the abdomen, the pancreas is difficult to reach and easy to inflame, leading to its nickname as “the angry organ.”

The researchers advocate for an AI tool that singles out those at the greatest risk for pancreatic cancer. This would ensure clinicians are testing the correct population, while also preventing others from undergoing unnecessary testing and additional procedures.

The survival rate for those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in its early stages is about 44 percent, five years post-diagnosis. However, only 12 percent of cases are diagnosed at this stage. The survival rate decreases dramatically to 2 to 9 percent for those with tumours that have spread beyond their origin, the researchers estimated.

Chris Sander emphasised, “Despite significant advancements in surgical techniques, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the survival rate remains low. Therefore, besides advanced treatments, there’s a pressing need for better screening, more focused testing, and earlier diagnosis. This is where the AI-based approach serves as the initial critical step in this process.”

For the current study, the researchers created multiple versions of the AI model and trained them on the health records of 6.2 million patients from Denmark’s national health system over a 41-year span. Of these patients, 23,985 developed pancreatic cancer over time.

During the training, the algorithm identified patterns suggesting future pancreatic cancer risk based on disease trajectories. For instance, diagnoses such as gallstones, anaemia, type 2 diabetes, and other gastrointestinal-related issues pointed to a higher risk for pancreatic cancer within three years of evaluation.

Inflammation of the pancreas was a strong predictor of future pancreatic cancer within an even shorter time span of two years.

The researchers caution that none of these diagnoses on their own should be deemed indicative or causative of future pancreatic cancer. However, the pattern and sequence in which they occur over time provide clues for an AI-based surveillance model and could prompt physicians to closely monitor or test those at elevated risk.

Next, the researchers tested the best-performing algorithm on an entirely new set of patient records it had not previously seen — a U.S. Veterans Health Administration data set comprising nearly 3 million records over 21 years, including 3,864 individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The tool’s predictive accuracy was somewhat lower on the US data set. The researchers attributed this to the shorter collection period and the different patient population profiles in the U.S. dataset compared to the Danish dataset.

When the algorithm was retrained from scratch on the U.S. dataset, its predictive accuracy improved. This, the researchers said, underscores the importance of training AI models on high quality, rich data and the necessity of access to large representative datasets of clinical records aggregated nationally and internationally.

In the absence of globally valid models, AI models should be trained on local health data to ensure their training reflects the specific characteristics of local populations.