Health Tech News You Can Use

“Delay, Deny, Defend" is a well-known Healthcare insurance industry phrase about not paying out on claims. This episode examines the on-going implications of integrating artificial intelligence into health insurance systems, the potential for AI-driven claim denials to exacerbate existing healthcare inequalities. Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of transparency in AI decision-making and the potential for algorithmic bia...

This report by the UK House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee examines assisted dying/suicide (AD/AS), exploring the current legal framework in England and Wales, and reviewing international experiences. The report investigates access to palliative care, considers the Government's neutral stance on legalisation, and analyses the views of various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and advocacy groups. It also...

UK care homes are increasingly using AI and smart technology to improve resident safety and care, particularly for those with dementia. Systems monitor movement, detect falls and pain, and even adjust environmental factors like air quality and lighting. While proponents highlight improved care and reduced staff workload, concerns exist about ethical implications, potential staff cuts, and over-reliance on technology in a vulnerable...

A recent study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, revealed that the AI chatbot ChatGPT outperformed a group of doctors in diagnosing medical conditions based on case histories. The doctors, who had access to both conventional medical resources and ChatGPT, performed only slightly better than those who did not use the chatbot. The study highlighted two key findings: first, doctors often remained convinced of their initial ...

This episode highlights the use of artificial intelligence in breast cancer screening, focusing on the software developed by Volpara Health. Volpara's AI technology improves mammogram image quality, assesses breast density, and assists radiologists in detecting abnormalities. The software also provides patients a clearer understanding of their results through visual representations and educational resources. The episode emphasizes ...

This episode explores the changing healthcare landscape in the UK and Europe, highlighting the challenges hospitals and medical technology (medtech) companies face. The paper identifies four critical considerations for MedTech companies operating in Europe: the need to deliver value innovation beyond clinical features, to partner with customers beyond the product, to solve prevalent problems with scalable solutions, and to use tech...

This edition explores the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionise healthcare, particularly in addressing the global doctor shortage and the overwhelming amount of data healthcare professionals face. The authors argue that equipping doctors with AI tools will be crucial but not sufficient to address the challenges of healthcare access and cost. They advocate for three key shifts: offering free AI-based primary ca...

The episode outlines the organisation's priorities and objectives for the year, which aim to improve patient outcomes and experience, including recovering core services from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also highlights key actions for systems and NHS providers to support these priorities, such as increasing capacity, improving flow, reducing waiting times, expanding access to primary care, and supporting the workforce. T...

The report, written by Lord Darzi and addressed to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, examines the current state of the NHS. It concludes that the NHS is in a dire state, facing significant challenges in terms of waiting times, staff shortages, and inadequate funding. The report highlights factors contributing to this situation, including austerity measures, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and a lack of patient...

The State of Digital Health 2023 report (very much relevant) offers a definitive view into the evolving digital health landscape across 67 countries, shining a light on the digital transformation of healthcare worldwide. It evaluates the progress and maturity of digital health systems through seven essential components, from leadership and governance to workforce development. Since 2019, significant strides have been made, with COV...

In this episode, we dive into the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the medical field, spotlighting ChatGPT—a tool that’s quickly gaining traction among healthcare professionals. Recent findings reveal that 20% of doctors are now integrating ChatGPT into their practice, so we explore how this AI assistant is reshaping healthcare. The potential benefits are compelling, from boosting efficiency and improving patient...

An overview of Oracle Health’s AI tools, which are designed to modernise and connect the healthcare experience. These products include Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant, a voice-first mobile assistant that uses AI to accelerate physicians’ workflows, Oracle Health EHR, a patient registration and scheduling solution that uses optical character recognition to automate data extraction, and Oracle Health Care Management, a solution tha...

This episode discusses the early steps of integrating a mobile solution into a workflow. The source is a transcript of a presentation explaining Medanets mobile solution. The session, guides the audience through the various workflows and features of the app, highlighting its integration with the hospital's new electronic patient record system (Cerner). The presentation covers how nurses and midwives can use Medanets to record vital...

There are many moving parts in Digital Transformation. Linda & Tom discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with digital transformation in the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. The first source highlights a "decade of missed opportunity" in embracing digital technologies, outlining issues like fragmented digital initiatives, outdated infrastructure, insufficient staff training, and cybersecurity vulnerabilitie...

Linda and Tom discuss the challenges and safety risks associated with the implementation of electronic patient record systems (EPRs) in the NHS. Despite their potential benefits, including improved data management and patient care, EPRs have led to significant issues, such as system errors, staff difficulties adapting to new technology, and delays in patient care. The sources highlight several instances where EPRs have resulted in ...