Innovations in Patient Care - Q4 2023 by Mediaplanet UK&IE

Innovations in Patient Care Q4 2023 | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its content

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An exclusive edition of Innovations in Patient Care with special features on

AI & Digital Health | Chronic Conditions | Skin Health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for a quarter of all mortalities in the UK each year and disproportionately affects people in deprived areas. – The Health Innovation Network Read more online at healthawareness.co.uk

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AI & Digital Health NHS online GP registration is helping to address patient health inequalities A national service aiming to make registration with a local GP quicker and easier for NHS patients is breaking down healthcare barriers.

he online Register with a GP surgery service, managed by NHS England, is improving access to healthcare across all communities by making the process simpler and more convenient for both patients and GP surgeries.

WRITTEN BY Richard Sutcliffe Product Owner, Register With a GP Surgery Service

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Accessible GP registration platform The service, launched in 2022, allows patients to go online at any time of day to find and register with a local GP without having to visit the surgery in person. Patients don’t need ID or documentation to register. They can use online translation tools alongside the service, making it more accessible to those whose first language is not English. Over 750,000 patients have already used the service, which is now offered by one in three GP surgeries nationwide. Patients can register with a GP at their convenience, including outside working hours, through a browser or the NHS App. People with no fixed abode can access the tool, with no requirement to provide an address. This supports those experiencing homelessness or with no fixed address, such as people living on canal boats.

Reaching more people needing care Latest figures show two-thirds (66%) of patients used the service to switch GPs while 23% were visitors or migrants, including international students. Other submissions included patients registering with a GP for the first time (5%), newborns (4%) and ex-military patients (1%). Almost half (48%) registered outside GP surgery opening hours, and 1 in 10 accessed the digital service in another language. The technology opens the door to greater GP access, enabling patients to get the prescriptions or referrals they need for more specialised care. The online service is part of a new NHS England plan to improve access to primary care, which called for 2,000 practices to provide ‘Register with a GP surgery service’ by December 2023 — a figure exceeded earlier this year.

The technology opens the door to greater GP access, enabling patients to get the prescriptions or referrals they need for more specialised care.

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Registration programme with flexible options A complementary paper form with the same standardised questions as the digital service is also available in GP surgeries offering the service, ensuring registration is also accessible to those who may not wish to use the digital tool. Patients can access the service using individual GP surgery websites, the NHS website’s ‘Find a GP service’ and the NHS App. They are also encouraged to use their NHS login for verification where possible, but this is not essential.

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Why integrated health technology has the power to transform health and social care Health and social care settings can use integrated technology to reduce their administrative burdens, improve the morale of staff and provide better outcomes for patients.

INTERVIEW WITH Paul Johnson Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Radar Healthcare WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway

aul Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Radar Healthcare, is a big believer in technology — especially when it can be used to create efficiencies in healthcare settings. However, he stresses the importance of selecting the right technology and employing it correctly. Why use integrated health technology? “Technology providers have to ask themselves: ‘What type of problem are we trying to solve?’” he explains. “In our case, we’re all about making it easier for people to deliver great care and ensure better outcomes for patients and residents. That’s it. That’s the reason. There’s absolutely no point in using technology just for the sake of it. It must perform a task that makes a real impact and does it in a simple, effective and userfriendly way.” Bringing systems and data together for increased efficiency This rationale is what underpins Radar Healthcare’s integrated software, seamlessly combining incident and risk management, compliance, and learning. Developed

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in 2012, the software is widely used by NHS Trusts, private healthcare organisations, care homes, clinics, pharmacies, dentists, and beyond. “This is a single system with integrated modules that help underpin the fundamentals for any healthcare organisation,” says Johnson. “Its capabilities include incident management, action and improvement plans, risk management, analytics and reporting, audit management and workforce compliance.” The platform brings disparate systems, data and people together to drive efficiencies; automate workflows and task management; assist healthcare professionals in decisionmaking; and aggregate patient data for risk oversight. Data enabling planning solutions and patient safety Crucially, the system seamlessly integrates with electronic patient records (EPRs) and care planning software. Frontline teams can act on adverse patient events through their EPR/care planning solution, automatically triggering the right workflow in Radar Healthcare. “EPRs are a wealth of information and analysis,” says Johnson. “The interoperability of our system

means that it can pull out any data from a patient’s EPR that is relevant to the particular, adverse event they have experienced. This reduces the time to act after an incident has occurred, reduces errors from recurring events and gives healthcare organisations an accurate view as to whether they are delivering safe outcomes for their patients and service users.” The technology, gathering diverse information, identifies patterns that may signal broader issues, enabling proactive healthcare measures. “Ultimately, better learning is an essential part of what we are trying to achieve,” says Johnson. “Using the principles of the Institute of Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and piloting this innovation in what we believe to be world-first is something we’re incredibly proud of. As we know this will enable the implementation of changes, which have the potential to reduce adverse events and, so, improve patient safety.” Technology can reduce administration and empower staff It also improves staff morale. “The most obvious way technology does this is by making healthcare professionals more efficient,” notes Johnson. “When healthcare workers aren’t burdened by administration, they have more time to dedicate to the job they’re passionate about. Also, if innovations help an organisation become outstanding, staff will feel a sense of pride in their association with it. This increased sense of empowerment and engagement contributes to lower employee attrition rates.” Recently, Radar Healthcare partnered on a technology project with Innovate UK — the UK’s national innovation agency. “We recognise a lack of tech connectivity within senior and elderly care settings,” Johnson says. Part of this project was how IoT (Internet of Things) could be utilised in a care environment. He adds: “If IoT devices, patient wearables and care management systems can become truly interoperable, then it will give residents and service users greater independence and a better quality of life. For example: using connected patient wearable technology to mitigate falls. Ultimately, it’s about creating technology that can move the needle for healthcare organisations, their staff and the patients they serve.”

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How artificial intelligence is transforming radiology and diagnostics Artificial intelligence (AI) excels at automatically recognising complex patterns and providing quantitative assessments of radiographic characteristics, which is improving the interpretation of medical imaging.

M WRITTEN BY Andrew Davies Digital Health Lead, ABHI

edical imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds) plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of medical conditions. AI can provide quantitative, rather than qualitative, assessments and has shown tremendous potential in improving the accuracy and efficiency of interpreting these images. Regulatory approvals for AI in radiology Regulatory authorities have been actively working on frameworks to evaluate and approve AI-based medical devices. For example, in 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the first AI system — a machine learning algorithm — to be used for the detection of diabetic retinopathy in retinal images. Up to 2022, over 520 AI tools have been approved by the FDA, of which nearly 400 are in radiology. Improving diagnosis efficiency and workflow One of the most significant benefits of AI in radiology is its ability to enhance diagnostic accuracy by identifying subtle patterns and anomalies in medical images. AI doesn’t just improve accuracy; it also enhances radiology workflow. It can quickly triage and prioritise cases, allowing radiologists to focus on more complex diagnoses. Challenges and ethical concerns Despite the promise of AI in radiology, there are several challenges to overcome. Ensuring the privacy and security of patient data is a top priority. Additionally, the need for proper validation and

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regulatory oversight is essential to prevent errors and biases in AI algorithms. Addressing these concerns is vital for the responsible implementation of AI in radiology. AI to become ‘business as usual’ Radiology is leading the field in the use of AI in clinical applications. In the UK, we are building the structures and processes that will enable us to move it from pilot to business as usual. The NHS AI lab, working alongside the Royal College of Radiologists, has established a Diagnostic Fund and is piloting an AI Deployment Platform that will make implementation more efficient and scalable. Success for AI in imaging will be measured by increased diagnostic certainty, system efficiency, impact on workforce and patient care. Radiology can be the lead use case for deploying AI into routine clinical practice; and as research continues and technology evolves, AI is expected to play an increasingly vital role in helping radiologists detect and diagnose diseases.

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Why AI in healthcare could motivate clinicians and improve patient outcomes Properly regulated AI is set to transform healthcare. It won’t replace clinicians — but it will reduce their admin burden so that they can spend more time with patients.

here’s a misconception about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare settings, says Ben Francis, Deputy CTO of Top Doctors, a data company that develops technology to benefit patients and clinicians alike.

INTERVIEW WITH Ben Francis Deputy CTO, Top Doctors

WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway

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Caring for patients more efficiently with AI AI innovations are not designed to replace healthcare professionals or make decisions on their behalf. Instead, they can take the drudge work out of a clinician’s day and help them get on with the job of caring for people. “Caring is why they came into this sector in the first place,” says Francis. “We want to remove the administrative burden they face and give it to a machine that can do it faster. That way, healthcare professionals will remain engaged and motivated because they’ll have the freedom to do what they do best: respond to the needs of patients and make clinical judgements. That’s something only a human can do well.” There are several ways AI could make a difference in healthcare. Take the issue of diagnosis waiting times, which is currently a big challenge for the NHS. “There’s a real bottleneck in this area,” says Francis. “AI tools can speed up processes so that diagnoses can be made more efficiently.” What’s more, if siloed data can be centralised — and if AI is able to access and process it — medical research projects that once took five years could be completed in months. Helping clinicians access patient data and improve outcomes AI can also be used to support the work of clinicians in ICUs. One of Top Doctors’ products is an AI-powered physical touchscreen device that automatically connects to medical equipment and presents patient data when healthcare professionals need it. “Interoperability — the ability of systems to connect and exchange information with each other — is something that everyone is talking about at the moment,” says Francis. “The interoperability of this device is excellent. We can take the information it gives us, put it into a clinical data lake, and get further

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insights very easily — which improves outcomes.” It’s also equipped with a camera and microphone, enabling telehealth consultations with clinicians in other locations. As a result, patients in remote ICUs — or those needing out-of-hours care — can always have access to a specialist. Patient-facing AI innovations include avatar interfaces, which can be installed in hospital entrances to direct people to their appointments. Top Doctors is trialling this technology, and Francis accepts that it may not be embraced by everyone. “It’s early days,” he says. “It may be that some patients will still prefer to speak to a person.” Challenges around integration — and the importance of regulation There are also AI chatbots, which can be used for data collection. “Normally, patients fill in web and paper questionnaires to give their feedback on the service they received,” says Francis. “This can include everything from hospital parking, waiting times and cleanliness. We’re now looking at using chatbots to get that data in a more open and friendly way. That’s very exciting.” Naturally, there are challenges to consider. “One of the most significant ones is integrating this technology with hospital systems,” says Francis. “Also, these innovations are rapidly evolving, so we believe it’s really important to have regulations in place. At the moment, our AI isn’t making clinical decisions. However, if what everyone is saying is true, AI models could be capable of doing so in five years. This an area where we need to be careful to keep the trust of patients. After all, we put our clinicians through seven years of medical school, so we should apply the same rigour to artificial intelligence.”

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AstraZeneca: Where data and AI impact lives AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism as well as Respiratory and Immunology.

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WRITTEN BY Cindy Hoots Chief Digital Officer & CIO, AstraZeneca

WRITTEN BY Anna Berg Åsberg, Vice President, R&D IT, AstraZeneca

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t AstraZeneca, we’re using technology, data and AI to transform our company, accelerate our innovative science and maximise the impact for patients,” explains Cindy Hoots, Chief Digital Officer and CIO. “As a company that thrives on innovation, we are constantly evolving our ways of working and we have embedded AI broadly across the organisation.” Not only has the company invested in connecting diverse data sources and leveraging AI for new insights, but it is also exploring the application of rapidly evolving technologies. “We are excited about how generative AI, advanced augmented reality, integrated digital twins and next-generation infrastructure can help us achieve our company’s long-term ambitions by accelerating timelines, increasing the probability of success, improving our employee experience and providing more equitable access to healthcare,” Hoots continues. Gaining better understanding of disease Hoots and her team enable scientists to leverage AI to advance understanding of disease biology and ultimately uncover novel drivers of diseases the company aims to treat, prevent and, in the future, cure. “We imagine a world where medicines are discovered and brought to patients by blending human ingenuity with advanced AI and other emerging technologies,” says Hoots. For example, AstraZeneca scientists use knowledge graphs to make better decisions earlier with less effort and material in labs. Knowledge graphs are networks of contextualised scientific data facts — such as genes, proteins, diseases and compounds — and the relationship between them. “Our teams use advanced machine learning and AI approaches like GraphML and transformers to generate novel insights into target discovery, biomarker identification, patient stratification and drug response,” says Ben Sidders, Executive Director of Oncology Data Science. “We’ve already seen an AI-guided approach bear fruit with our first disease models based on knowledge graphs focused on understanding drug resistance.” “We recently moved to the next level, adding a generative AI interface to our knowledge graphs and other solutions so that scientists can query trusted, reliable information using plain language and get instant results at their fingertips, as well as help generate and summarise text,” explains Anna Berg Åsberg, Vice President, R&D IT. “Once we have a disease target in our sights, our scientists can use AI to determine what molecule to create,” she says. Åsberg’s research colleagues now

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augment traditional drug design with sophisticated computational methods to predict what molecules to make next and how to make them. “In the past, this process involved making and testing thousands of small molecules over several years to achieve the right drug properties,” adds Åsberg. Now, AI-enabled processes are impacting both the company’s small molecule and large molecule research. In antibody discovery, the company can use machine learning-enabled deep screening technology to successfully identify early biologic drug hits in just days compared to traditional discovery methods, which take several months. Advancing personalised medicine Whether assessing cough recordings, analysing lung tissue samples or identifying which patients are best suited to participate in a clinical trial, AI tools — validated by human experts — help uncover new precision medicine insights. “Our data scientists are building machine learning algorithms to combine diverse datasets — such as clinical trial data and real-world data — to identify patterns in disease progression and patient response,” says Jim Weatherall, Vice President, Data Science and AI. “These findings inform the company’s clinical trial designs.” With the aid of AI-powered tools, medical images serve as a valuable source of data, empowering us to gain deeper insights into how a patient’s distinct genetic composition can impact their response to AstraZeneca treatments. For instance, AstraZeneca experts are using AI in tumour image analysis to improve the accuracy of assessing tumour volumes from computed tomography (CT) scans. “Today, the process is manual, but this new approach would speed up the ability for radiologists to relay information to clinicians about whether a drug has an effect on tumours,” Åsberg adds.

WRITTEN BY Ben Sidders Executive Director, Oncology Data Science, AstraZeneca

WRITTEN BY Jim Weatherall Vice President, Data Science & AI, AstraZeneca

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Maximising operation efficiencies and growth Once an AstraZeneca medicine is authorised for sale by regulatory authorities, AI can help to drive supply chain efficiencies. For instance, at one of AstraZeneca’s largest global sites in Sweden, the company manufactures over 12 billion tablets and capsules each year. “Here, we use AI-powered digital twins that can leverage multiple data sources simultaneously to optimise production schedules,” explains Gurinder Kaur, Vice President of Operations and Enabling Units IT, AstraZeneca. The technology has delivered a 75% reduction in planning lead time, meaning one person can develop a dispensing plan in only 15 minutes. “This used to take eight hours,” says Kaur. “Our ambition is to leverage many of these tools and apply them throughout our manufacturing and supply network.”

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Earlier disease detection and diagnosis AI has potential to improve health outcomes for people, especially those who live in under-resourced healthcare systems. AstraZeneca collaborates with Qure.ai — developers of deep learning algorithms for the interpretation of radiology images — to enhance early-stage lung cancer risk identification in low and middleincome countries. The partnership capitalises on interpreting routine chest X-rays, which happen in large numbers,

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for risk of malignant lung nodules which can then be referred for further diagnostic testing, potentially leading to earlier stage diagnosis of lung cancer. “Ultimately, we hope to support early lung cancer detection, reducing mortality rates and enhancing patient outcomes,” explains Kevin Sirjuesingh, Vice President, Commercial IT, AstraZeneca.

AI has the potential to improve health outcomes for people, especially those who live in under-resourced healthcare systems. Attracting talent, where data and AI impact lives Working across geographic boundaries, the biopharmaceutical giant aims to bring together experts from around the world and solve complex problems faster than ever before. “People are our greatest asset. With 50% female representation in senior technology roles, we are committed to building diverse, inclusive teams that are continuously learning together,” says Åsberg. “We foster collaborative relationships among IT professionals, data scientists, bioinformaticians, AI engineers and bench scientists so that we can talk about science and tech at

pace — all working to the same goal of unlocking what science can do,” explains Weatherall. “We recognise that humans have unique skills that machines do not, and we focus on investing in our people as much as investing in the technology.” AstraZeneca offers a range of opportunities for fresh graduates and those entering the industry, including graduate student rotations, internships and postdoctoral fellowships. External collaborations are also key to helping answer big questions in AI. “We start with the challenge we need to solve and identify the best partners, whether academic, tech or industry,” Åsberg adds. Ethical considerations in place Transforming the future of healthcare by unlocking the power of what AI and science can do — for people, society and the planet — requires trust. AstraZeneca was one of the first pharmaceutical companies to develop a list of principles for ethical data and AI use in 2020. They revolve around being explainable and transparent; fair and accountable; human-centric; socially beneficial; private and secure. “We’ve taken a holistic approach to these new emerging technologies, to ensure we are first addressing the ethical, data privacy, legal and procurement considerations,” says Hoots. “We aim to ensure trust in these solutions and deliver value for our business and for patients.”

WRITTEN BY Gurinder Kaur Vice President, Operations and Enabling Units IT, AstraZeneca

WRITTEN BY Kevin Sirjuesingh Vice President, Commercial IT, AstraZeneca

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Digital platform enables seamless and secure communication for hospital staff In 2023, the NHS’s significant investments in IT infrastructure reflect a commitment to fortify the future of healthcare and access to patient data despite challenges such as staffing shortages and budget constraints.

lthough improvements in clinical communication have not been a core focus this year, there are at least three reasons that NHS Trusts should start upgrading these systems. This change will help them support an increasingly stretched workforce. Digital platform improving hospital productivity Tackling communication bottlenecks within hospitals is Alertive, a leading software provider offering an accredited digital platform for secure and compliant communication. It facilitates seamless, real-time communication between healthcare teams and clinicians. According to CIO of The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust, Phil Holland, essential areas of improvement were identified with communication. The co-development of role functionality with Alertive allows users to immediately contact the right person, first time. Improving emergency response Current pager systems, still used by many NHS Trusts, do not provide rapid response and feedback. With minimal information being exchanged, it is impossible to relay the type — or priority — of help required. Holland cites a 40% reduction in non-attendance for nonurgent alerts and a 20% decrease in response time when clinicians seek support. The move towards a digital solution for critical care teams has proven revolutionary — marking a shift in managing hospital communication. Ensuring compliance and safety The prevalence of consumer messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp, within the NHS poses serious clinical safety concerns. Matt Gauler, Alertive Co-CEO, emphasises that their platform addresses these issues across their NHS customers. With a user base of over 30,000 healthcare professionals utilising their app, it eliminates the risk of fines for misuse and the impact of system outages on the continuity of care. As the digital agenda develops a data-centric healthcare system, the amount of information will explode. How healthcare teams access and share this information is an increasing challenge. The inevitable application of more AI in healthcare to manage this information will become a focus. Gauler underscores the importance of encouraging the continued integration of AI in healthcare, provided that robust governance will safeguard its application and impact on patient care.

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Digital patient portals enable better control over appointments and waitlists A digital solutions provider is making a difference to hospital waiting lists by making it a whole lot easier for patients to manage appointments and access video consultations remotely.

igitalising healthcare improves efficiencies by reducing wait times and validating lists through patient engagement portals. These facilitate remote video consultations, collect patientreported data and empower patients to manage their interactions with healthcare providers. Patient portal reduces waiting times Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust saw a 50% reduction in its ‘did not attend’ rates by using an integrated, easy-to-use patient engagement portal platform called Zesty, developed and delivered by Induction Healthcare. The company’s CEO, Paul Tambeau, says: “So often, appointment letters can be mislaid or lost, meaning patients either miss or have to reschedule their appointments. However, with our Induction Zesty portal — accessible through the NHS app — patients can see all the information they need regarding their appointments.” This includes the date, time and any instructions they may need. “There is a function that allows patients to reschedule, confirm or cancel an appointment. This means hospitals can fill those spots that become vacant with patients who really need them, thus reducing waiting lists and times.” For waiting list validation, patients who might have been waiting a year to 18 months for an appointment can be sent a form through the portal, asking them if they still require it. In the first few days of a recent validation programme, Induction have already seen a 45% completion rate on those forms, resulting in a 2% to 4% reduction in waitlists. About 2.5 million patients across NHS England now have access to the Induction portal. Remote consultation option for eligible patients The video consultation platform, Attend Anywhere, is used by health trusts nationally across Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and about 74% of England’s acute trusts. In the past six months alone, about 1 million consultations have been conducted on the video platform. Tambeau says: “At the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, they found that, by using our video platform, they were able to reduce the waiting time for first appointments from 72 weeks to 14. It meant some patients didn’t have to travel where possible — making it more cost-efficient for everyone.”

WRITTEN BY Phil Holland CIO, The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust

INTERVIEW WITH Paul Tambeau CEO, Induction Healthcare

WRITTEN BY Matt Gauler Co-CEO, Alertive

WRITTEN BY Sheree Hanna

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How AI is improving London’s NHS 111 Integrated Urgent Care service Callers might not realise it, but AI is helping to power London’s NHS 111 Integrated Urgent Care service. It means they get more efficient access to the most appropriate care.

ow artificial intelligence (AI) will impact our lives in the future is unknown. Yet, there’s no doubt that, if used appropriately, it can enhance the healthcare experiences of NHS patients. Current use of AI when calling NHS 111 AI has positively impacted London’s NHS 111 Integrated Urgent Care service. When a patient in London rings 111, the system employs natural language processing and interactive voice response (IVR) technology to ask the caller questions, listen to their answers and then route them to the most appropriate skillset available from a team of multidisciplinary specialists. It’s a more efficient way to get patients to the best sources of help — and only possible because of AI. “AI has allowed us to personalise London’s NHS 111 Integrated Urgent Care service,” explains Mark Bamlett, Head of Integrated Urgent Care/UEC Digital, NHS England – London Region. “It means we can quickly get a patient through to the right clinician. At the end of the call, patients can opt-in to receive a postevent text message, which is unique to them.” The message outlines what to do if their condition worsens and includes details of any onward referrals, so the patient doesn’t have to remember everything that was discussed during their call. Deploying AI in a careful and clinically safe way For the last seven years, Bamlett’s team has been working on the development of London’s NHS 111 service with Content Guru, a global cloud communications software business providing technology for contact centres. Martin Taylor, Content Guru’s Co-Founder, says their ‘agile methodology’ (breaking large amounts of strategic work into sections to deliver it swiftly) has been pivotal to the system’s success. “NHS 111 is a vital service for Londoners; we recognise the need to deploy AI in a responsible and clinically safe way,” he notes. “If we were attempting to use AI to analyse symptoms and prescribe treatments, then patients wouldn’t want it — neither would we. This technology enables better clinical decision-making and optimises outcomes. We are continually refining the service to find new ways to improve the patient experience.”

INTERVIEW WITH Mark Bamlett Head of Integrated Urgent Care / UEC Digital, NHS England - London Region

INTERVIEW WITH Martin Taylor Co-Founder and Deputy CEO, Content Guru

WRITTEN BY Tony Greenway

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Three-quarters (74%) of NHS staff see future investments in tech as a priority.

How AI can speed up diagnostics and unlock better care Following studies of patients and clinicians, the message is clear from people inside and outside of the NHS: we need to embrace digital tech and cut wait times.

E WRITTEN BY Professor Sultan Mahmud Director of Healthcare, BT

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very day, healthcare frontline professionals across the nation are having to make life-changing — or life-saving — decisions. Our mission at BT is to support them and follow their lead in areas like diagnostics, which is a critical part of the patient journey, with the NHS carrying out over 1 billion diagnostic tests every year. Opportunity for AI to mitigate diagnostics challenges However, there are still over 1.5 million people waiting for an NHS diagnosis in the UK. As well as rising demand and a growing backlog, the NHS has a shortfall of skilled diagnostic professionals; with a 39% shortfall in radiology and pathology staff alone. It also relies on many outdated legacy technologies that aren’t suitable for modern demands. The appetite to embrace change is there. Research shows that threequarters (74%) of NHS staff believe that future investment in the health service should focus on digital technologies that can improve access to diagnosis and care. The Government also sees the potential benefits, announcing a £21 million fund to boost AI’s adoption throughout the NHS. Finding the right AI tech Although AI is already being brought into diagnostics, it requires streamlined implementation to ensure clinical workflow is optimised. There are hundreds of innovative

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companies developing AI tools, and these curated models are trained to do one job incredibly well. The first challenge is matching the right AI technology with the problems hospitals need to solve — before onboarding each, individual tool. Whether that’s needing assistance with a cancer diagnosis or identifying fractures, complex onboarding tasks must be completed, which requires significant resource investment. These factors mean AI adoption can seem daunting. As Dr Paul Bhogal, consultant interventional neuroradiologist at the Royal London Hospital and member of BT’s Clinical Advisory Board, suggests: “If we want to improve access to healthcare in the UK while improving patient outcomes, we must find technology that works and put it in the hands of those that can put it to work.” Digital diagnostics platform for smarter working BT is working with best-in-class healthcare partners to help free up doctors’ time using AI — and unlock the benefits of faster diagnosis for patients and clinicians safely and responsibly. For example, we recently launched a Diagnostics AI Marketplace, built in partnership with deepc. The marketplace brings together the best diagnostic AI tools from over 25 vendors. Whether looking at an X-ray or an MRI scan, the platform displays an array of innovative tools that are best suited for the job. Accessible through

one simple integration, there’s no need for multiple onboardings or significant upfront investment — key blockers of digital adoption. The platform’s ability to integrate AI from trusted suppliers means that clinicians will always have access to the best solutions. Meanwhile, its versatility and ability to scale enables healthcare professionals to fully customise it to suit their needs. The platform can speed up reporting and improve patient flow, increasing efficiency across diagnostic workflows and employee satisfaction. This will help doctors tackle the current backlogs, as well as manage seasonal pressures with cross-regional digital healthcare tools. Implementation of modern diagnostics Three-quarters (74%) of NHS staff see future investments in tech as a priority. That’s why we are co-creating a varied portfolio of solutions to help the NHS and other healthcare providers with their diagnostics challenges. Faster image sharing (achievable through our work with AXON diagnostics) or the implementation of digital Patient Concierge (created with Soprano) must be top of the agenda for trusts across the nation. The technology is available; what we need now is a coordinated approach. Only by working together can we move the dial on diagnostics and truly connect for good.

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Trust in AI: 7 benefits that can transform healthcare

tools being used to treat them, as long as they are managed by a qualified person. AI can support doctors in decision-making and analysing data; this could improve patient safety by identifying risks and enabling early intervention.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can be a force for good. In healthcare, it can improve outcomes for patients and relieve pressure on healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Accelerating medical innovation Looking to 2050, 28% of people said that it’s a priority for AI to make diagnosis easier for doctors. AI can advance medical innovation while ensuring quality of care. From 3D-printed artificial limbs to surgical robots, the healthcare sector has already seen dozens of AI-powered medical innovations.

I WRITTEN BY Jeanne Greathouse Healthcare Director, BSI

n 2021, the World Health Organization found that around 90% of countries experienced some form of disruption to health services following Covid-19. This remained at 84% in May 2023. According to BSI’s Trust in AI poll, 56% of people globally support the use of AI tools to diagnose or treat them or a loved one if it could improve their condition. Prediction and prevention One in two people polled by BSI say they are excited about the potential for AI to improve diagnosis accuracy or speed up recovery. AI can recognise complex data patterns, which can help to predict and prevent diseases. Efficient medicine development Applying AI to drug development could bring benefits, including

reduced research costs, avoidance of human errors, acceleration to market and improved patient outcomes. For instance, AI could detect cell changes that humans can’t see. Quick analyses of extensive data could also help get drugs to market quicker. Improving the experience for patients and HCPs In BSI’s poll, over half said they support the use of AI tools to help them manage care remotely. Patients could, for example, avoid long waiting times by making appointments through an app or sharing vital signs with their GP online. AI-driven solutions have the potential to help both patients and HCPs save time by reducing administrative work. Working alongside doctors About 57% of respondents support AI

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Personalised medical approaches Every patient is different, and individualised care may not always be possible. AI could compare various treatments, conditions and outcomes by utilising data from various patients with similar complaints. This could enable a customised approach, allowing for more effective treatments. Relieving pressure While AI utilisation in healthcare is continually evolving, AI can’t solve everything today. However, 77%, of HCPs said they would trust AI to fulfil some tasks — freeing them up to deliver care to patients. Another 57% said they believe AI could help meet staffing needs; and 58% agreed it could ease pressures, including reducing waiting times.

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Chronic Conditions How AI is improving heart health diagnoses Artificial intelligence, once a far-off innovation, is becoming a reality in hospitals. Research we’ve funded is already driving AI development and enhancing diagnosis, treatment and care for heart patients.

RI scans are crucial for diagnosing heart disease, but manual analysis takes, on average, over 13 minutes, consuming valuable time doctors could be spending with patients.

WRITTEN BY Professor James Leiper Associate Medical Director, British Heart Foundation

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AI to accelerate diagnosis With funding from the British Heart Foundation, scientists at University College London have developed new AI technology that can analyse scans and spot early signs of heart disease in just 20 seconds. The AI tool is currently being introduced at hospitals in the UK and around the globe.

The researchers trained the AI using heart scans from over 1,900 people. It measures the size of the left ventricle — the main pumping chamber of the heart — and how well it pumps blood around the body. The AI tool was found to detect changes to the heart’s structure and function with 40% greater precision and could identify information from scans that the human eye can’t detect. The researchers estimate that their AI tool could save around 3,000 clinical days every year. By helping to accelerate diagnosis, it could also help heart patients get the treatment and care they need earlier on.

Closing the heart attack gender gap The heart attack gender gap is costing lives, with women who have a heart attack 50% more likely than men to receive the wrong initial diagnosis. Clinical trials are testing an AI tool that could help close the gap. University of Edinburgh researchers, funded by the British Heart Foundation, are developing an AI tool to diagnose heart attacks more quickly and accurately. Trained on data from over 10,000 people, almost half of whom were women, the AI combines patient information with blood test results to detect troponin — a protein released during a heart attack. The tool was able to rule out a heart attack with 99.5% certainty, confirming patients were safe to go home, as well as identifying those who would benefit from further testing in hospitals. The tool diagnosed heart attacks with greater accuracy than current tests, especially in women. New technologies have the potential to save many thousands of lives worldwide, and none of these advances would be possible without donations from our generous supporters. With ongoing support, we’ll continue to fuel research and drive forward new advances.

To donate to British Heart Foundation this festive season and give a gift that keeps on living, visit bhf.org.uk/ Christmas

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Chronic insomnia: what is it and why should more people know about it? Insomnia is when someone struggles with their sleep for more than three nights a week, for longer than three months. It varies from acute to chronic.

S WRITTEN BY Lisa Artis Deputy CEO, The Sleep Charity

ymptoms and types of insomnia can vary from having problems falling asleep to waking up in the night or waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep. These factors determine recommended treatment. Insomnia in the UK is a common problem affecting around one in every three people in its acute form. Around 10–15 in every 100 people suffer from chronic sleep difficulties. Causes of chronic insomnia Anxiety, stress and depression are some of the most common causes of chronic insomnia. Having difficulty sleeping can make these symptoms worse. Many medical conditions can lead to insomnia, such as allergies, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis, asthma, neurological conditions and chronic pain. Common emotional and psychological causes include anger, worry, grief and trauma. How insomnia affects overall health Insomnia can have detrimental effects on our mental and physical health, including energy levels, mood, productivity and cognitive skills. A good night’s sleep plays a significant role in healing and repairing the heart and blood vessels. It gives the immune system and cardiovascular system a rest and allows other organs to be restored. Evidence shows that not sleeping enough may ramp up the

‘fight or flight’ response to stress, releasing hormones that speed up heart rate and raise blood pressure. Physical and mental health risks Regular poor sleep puts people at risk of serious medical conditions, including obesity and diabetes. Lack of sleep can increase insulin resistance — a risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Lack of sleep also suppresses your immune system, increasing vulnerability to infections and metabolic and hormone changes. Sleeplessness leads to hallucinations and sensory dysfunction. Sleep deprivation can lead to a mental meltdown. Standard treatment for insomnia Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as the first-line treatment. It can help control or eliminate negative thoughts and actions that keep you awake. When to contact a GP If you have had difficulty with sleep for over four weeks and it’s affecting your wellbeing, it’s important to see your GP before it becomes chronic. They may use various methods to determine the cause and rule out other potential sleep disorders. Taking a completed two-week sleep diary to the appointment can help them examine daily sleep patterns.

Chronic insomnia: waking up to the 24-hour reality of patients The importance of a good night’s sleep to our health and wellbeing has been gaining prominence. However, little is known about chronic insomnia — a serious medical condition with wide-ranging implications.

hronic insomnia is a 24-hour condition affecting patients across the night and day, says Dr Zoe Schaedel. The identification, diagnosis and management of the condition are crucial.

INTERVIEW WITH Dr Zoe Schaedel NHS GP with special interest in sleep and menopause, Co-director, Myla Health and Co-founder, The Good Sleep Clinic WRITTEN BY Angelica Hackett O’Toole

UK-DSA-00034 Date of preparation: December 2023

Q: What is chronic insomnia, and how does it differ from insomnia? Insomnia is something many of us may have experienced at one point in our lives. It’s when you have some difficulty sleeping, perhaps as a response to a stress trigger. However, chronic insomnia occurs when the sleep problems do not resolve and continue to persist. By definition, it’s a medical condition that impacts a person’s ability to fall or stay asleep, or they wake up early in the morning, for at least three nights a week, for over three months, despite an adequate opportunity to sleep.

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The condition doesn’t just affect nights; a key symptom is its negative impact on day-to-day functioning. This can affect a few areas: energy levels, concentration, cognitive function and emotional wellbeing. Q: What are some of the key issues your chronic insomnia patients face? Patients can start to limit their social interactions. This can be due to tiredness, lack of enthusiasm or wanting to stay home to focus on getting a good night’s sleep. Chronic insomnia can also have an impact on work, whereby individuals might not be very productive due to fatigue. Consequently, this can result in work absences, poor performance and struggles with career progression. There is also a stigma surrounding the condition. Patients can feel embarrassed as they think it should be ‘easy’ to achieve a good night’s sleep.

Q: Do you think chronic insomnia is seen as a medical condition? People often think insomnia is simply a symptom of something else — for example, anxiety or depression. Whilst it’s true these conditions can cause difficulty sleeping, and vice versa, insomnia is still a diagnosis in its own right and should be treated as such.

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Q: What advice would you give to individuals struggling with chronic insomnia? Patients should not hesitate to seek help from a healthcare professional. Patients can struggle with the condition on their own for years. It’s important to know that chronic insomnia is a treatable condition. This is a key step in making sure individuals get the quality sleep they deserve.

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Driving diabetes research forward and why it’s so important today With over 5 million people in the UK now living with diabetes, and millions more at risk of developing type 2, diabetes research has never been more urgent.

or more than 85 years, Diabetes UK has been at the forefront of driving diabetes research forward. Our scientists have made incredible breakthroughs — from tackling sight loss to putting type 2 into remission, and we’re getting closer to a cure every day.

WRITTEN BY Dr Faye Riley Research Communications Manager at Diabetes UK

Developments in diabetes research Diabetes UK funded the first insulin pen, which transformed the way that people living with diabetes received vital medication. From needing to use glass syringes and steel needles to draw insulin up from a vial in the 1970s, insulin pens have allowed people living with diabetes to inject insulin with the push of a button. In 2020, more than 700,000 people in England were using insulin pens.

UK’s research has been pioneering this technology since 1977; and this year, we’re expecting access to be widened through the NHS so that more people living with type 1 diabetes can benefit. Type 2 diabetes remission programme For people living with type 2 diabetes, our DiRECT study changed the game when it showed that type 2 diabetes remission is possible for some through dietinduced weight loss. Remission means people no longer need to use diabetes medications to manage their blood sugar levels and could reduce their risk of diabetes complications. In 2023, new DiRECT results revealed that some people can stay in remission for at least five years. NHS England announced that it would roll out remission programmes, giving thousands more people the chance to put their type 2 diabetes into remission.

Every week, diabetes leads to 184 amputations, more than 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks and 2,300 cases of heart failure.

Living with type 1 diabetes Since the insulin pen, we’ve carried on backing innovative ideas, like the artificial pancreas, pushing the boundaries of insulin treatment even further. Living with type 1 diabetes is a relentless juggling act — having to work out the amount of insulin you need depending on what you eat; what you’re doing; how you’re feeling. The artificial pancreas, also known as Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) technology, can remove some of this burden by calculating and delivering insulin doses. Diabetes

Supporting people living with diabetes Every week, diabetes leads to 184 amputations, more than 770 strokes, 590 heart attacks and 2,300 cases of heart failure. Now, more than ever, we need research to help us tackle health inequalities and ensure everyone with diabetes can live well for longer. With support, we can make this possible.

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Skin Health

Shocking numbers of skin dissatisfaction: how to care Essential skincare steps to help you get through this winter for your own skin Chilly, dry outdoor air can compromise the skin’s protective barrier due to loss of nourishing ceramides. This may cause dry and itchy skin, which is particularly challenging for people with conditions like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis.

imple things that need to be followed all year round include keeping shower times short, to around 4–5 minutes with lukewarm water. Avoid soaps when washing and keep away from radiators in the house. Other essential routines to establish are: Step 1: Start with a ‘hydrating’ cleanser Both your face and body lose moisture during winter months, making the skin dry and itchy. The usual cleansers that are commonly sold in the market often contain alcohol and fragrances, which can make your skin even more dry and are likely to induce skin irritation. Creamy liquid, gel or mousse fragrancefree cleansers are the best options for sensitive skin.

to be helpful with hydrating more than exfoliating and may be useful in maintaining skin glow. Products containing shea butter and ceramide are useful to lock in moisture. Consider keeping a hand cream in your bag. Step 3: Keep hydrated During winter, reduced water intake and increased diuretic effects from hot, caffeinated drinks lead to dehydration, causing lacklustre skin. Prioritise water consumption over coffee or alcohol.

Both your face and body lose moisture during winter months, making the skin dry and itchy.

Step 2: Move on to moisturising Areas with thinner skin — like lips, knees and elbows — lose more moisture, especially at night. Moisturise before bedtime and straight after showering and use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Products with hyaluronic acid tend WRITTEN BY Dr Adil Sheraz Consultant Dermatologist and Spokesperson, British Skin Foundation

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Step 4: Eat foods with higher water content Foods such as cucumber, spinach and grapefruit have a high water content and are also generally good for your skin.

Step 5: Use a sunblock Remember that ice and snow will reflect UV light and can even increase the amount of exposure to UV radiation. Depending on your skin type, use a high-factor sunblock and one with a high UVA star rating. This protects against developing wrinkles and, importantly, reduces skin cancer risk.

WRITTEN BY Dr Bindi Gaglani Dermatologist and Spokesperson, British Skin Foundation

There is no one way our skin should look, and the quest for ‘perfect’ skin should instead be a journey to embracing the beauty in our skin’s inherent uniqueness.

ur skin’s appearance can play a significant role in our confidence and self-esteem. In a recent Skin Health Alliance survey, a staggering 92% of people acknowledged that their skin’s appearance is important to their general wellbeing. On top of that, a massive 74% said they feel pressure to look a certain way.

WRITTEN BY James Stalley Director of Business Development, Skin Health Alliance

Distorted ideas of ‘perfect’ skin The survey also revealed a worrying amount of skin dissatisfaction, with 62% of young adults stating that they believe using social media makes them feel worse about their skin and appearance. The pervasiveness of edited and filtered images, selective self-presentation and a lack of diversity can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-confidence. It can feel like there is an overwhelming pressure to have flawless, ‘perfect’ skin; and numerous TikTok trends promise to help you achieve it. In reality, these ideals are ultimately unachievable and can end up making people feel worse. Advocate for the skin you’re in The way our skin looks also has an impact on how we are perceived by others. Shockingly, 66% of young adults told us that they have received hate or been bullied due to their appearance. This is why, at the Skin Health Alliance, we are challenging beauty standards and advocate for being realistic in the pursuit of ‘flawless’ skin and embracing our inherent individuality. We created the campaign ‘We Stand For Skin,’ hoping to inspire everyone to stand confident and comfortable in the skin they’re in. The campaign encompasses everything we and our partners believe in and everything our work revolves around. It is an ode to the connection between our skin, our identity and our confidence. We Stand For Skin focuses on celebrating diverse skin types, tones, colours, textures and conditions. Skin and care look different for everyone Sharing knowledge empowers everyone to feel their most confident by maintaining healthy skin and creating a personalised routine that is right for them. The Skin Health Alliance is committed to connecting people with access to expert advice and education. By embracing and understanding the individuality of your skin, you can learn to take care of it in the way that is right for you and choose safe products to help — not hide — your skin.

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We stand for skin We all get wrapped up in skin Skin can define you or confine you It shows you and hides you Skin helps tell our story Our history, our individuality We all deserve to stand confident And be safe in the skin we’re in Yet the one thing that holds you together Can also be what pulls you apart Remember you have a shared uniqueness And skin is just a part of your story So be proud to tell it to the world skinhealthalliance.org

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