Generative AI in Healthcare

GE HealthCare and AWS Partner to Revolutionise Healthcare with Generative AI

GE HealthCare and AWS have announced a strategic collaboration to develop generative AI applications aimed at improving medical diagnostics and patient care. This partnership will leverage AWS's healthcare and AI services to create new workflows, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and promote equitable care. GE HealthCare plans to use Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Q Developer to accelerate software development and reduce clinical application cycles.

The collaboration aims to modernise GE HealthCare's suite of applications using foundation models developed on Amazon SageMaker. These models will analyse unstructured medical data, providing precise insights across multiple diseases. GE HealthCare's investment in AI has led to significant advancements, including an ultrasound image segmentation tool with over 90% accuracy.  

AI in Dementia Detection

AI Enhances Early Dementia Detection via EEG Analysis

Mayo Clinic researchers are using AI to enhance EEG analysis, aiding early dementia detection. By analysing brain wave patterns, AI reveals subtle cognitive decline signs that experts may miss. This development, based on data from over 11,000 patients, shows potential for EEGs to become a more accessible diagnostic tool, especially in underserved areas.

The AI tool simplifies complex brain wave patterns into six specific features, helping neurologists identify early signs of dementia. This method could provide a more economical and accessible diagnostic option compared to current tests like MRIs or PET scans. Further research and validation are needed to integrate these tools into clinical practice, aiming to improve early diagnosis and treatment.

Healthcare Policy

One Year After Hewitt Review: Progress and Challenges in ICS Implementation

Over a year since the government's response to Patricia Hewitt's review on integrated care systems (ICS) autonomy and accountability, progress remains mixed. While ICS leaders and national partners continue to support the review's proposals for improving population health, reducing inequalities, and ensuring NHS sustainability, implementation has been hindered by short-term pressures and the political climate. Key areas such as embedding accountability and establishing a national Integrated Care Partnership (ICP) forum have seen advancements, but many recommendations await action.

The review's emphasis on shifting resources towards prevention, enhancing local autonomy, and modernising the NHS estate and equipment remains critical. However, challenges persist, including slow progress in defining prevention spending and the need for greater local innovation. Financial incentives, long-term planning, and digital improvements are also highlighted as essential for future success. The new Labour government is urged to adopt the Hewitt review as a blueprint for reforming public services and delivering optimal patient care.

Digital Health Security

8 Best Practices for Encrypting Patient Data in mHealth Apps

In today's digital age, patient data is an invaluable commodity to threat actors. The steadily rising number of cyberattacks and data breaches targeting the healthcare industry is proof. Strangely enough, many mobile health (mHealth) app developers don't consider end-to-end encryption a priority.

Many mHealth apps in use today store and transmit user details—much of which is considered protected health information in other contexts—unencrypted. Hackers are beginning to realise this, prompting them to focus on apps instead of hospitals. What can information technology (IT) teams do to ensure data is adequately encrypted?

Healthcare Innovation

Strong Support for AI in NHS Despite Concerns, Poll Reveals

New polling by the Health Foundation reveals strong support for AI in the NHS, with 76% of NHS staff and 54% of the public endorsing its use in patient care. However, concerns persist about AI's impact on care quality and patient-staff relationships. Key findings include:

• 61% of the public and 81% of NHS staff support AI for administrative tasks.

• 18% of the public fear AI could harm care quality.

• 53% of the public and 65% of NHS staff worry about AI causing a disconnect between patients and staff.

Saffron Cordery, NHS Providers deputy CEO, emphasises the need for patient-centered AI development, regulation, and training to address these concerns and ensure trust in new technologies.

Industry Insights

UK Digital Health Market to Grow at 16.50% CAGR by 2032

The UK digital health market is set to grow at a CAGR of 16.50% from 2024 to 2032, driven by telehealth, remote patient monitoring (RPM), and AI-powered diagnostics. Key advancements include:

• Telehealth: Accelerated by COVID-19, enabling remote consultations and chronic illness management.

• RPM: Wearable devices monitor health metrics, providing real-time data for personalised care.

• AI and Data Analytics: Enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment personalization.

Cybersecurity and data privacy are critical, with the NHS enhancing its infrastructure to protect patient information. Leading companies like Babylon Health and Push Doctor are pivotal in this transformation. The market spans regions including London, South East, and Scotland, with government initiatives like the Digital Health Partnership Award supporting technology adoption.