Weekly Newsletter - 20.06.2024

AI Enhances Medicine Adherence 

Hospital Trust Develops AI Tool for Medicine Translation 

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is developing an AI tool to translate medicine instructions for non-English speakers. This £59,000 project aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital visits by ensuring patients understand how to take their medications correctly. The AI tool will assist clinicians in guiding conversations with patients, addressing language barriers that can lead to poor medicine adherence and increased safety risks. This initiative aligns with NHS England's guidance to ensure language and communication needs do not impact the quality of care.

Telemedicine Success 

Kettering General Hospital Reduces Neurology Waiting Lists with Telemedicine 

Kettering General Hospital has significantly reduced its neurology waiting lists by over 50% through a seven-week telemedicine pilot using Consultant Connect technology. The project, which triaged 1,001 referrals, safely removed 510 patients from the waiting list, directing them to alternative pathways or back to their GPs with management plans. This initiative has alleviated pressure on neurology specialists and prioritised urgent cases. Chief Executive Deborah Needham praised the project as a game-changer, highlighting its role in providing timely care and reducing patient stress. 

Revolutionary Cancer Detection 

AI-Powered Blood Test : A Lifesaving Leap in Early Cancer Detection 

A groundbreaking AI-powered blood test, MRD-EDGE, has shown remarkable sensitivity in detecting tumour DNA, revolutionising early cancer detection and monitoring. Developed by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and other institutions, this method identifies cancer recurrence months or years earlier than traditional methods. The technology has proven effective in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, as well as precancerous conditions. By enhancing the detection of circulating tumor DNA, MRD-EDGE promises to significantly improve cancer care and patient outcomes, marking a major advancement in oncology.

Enhanced Heart Health Monitoring 

PocDoc Introduces New Feature for Digital Heart Check Service 

PocDoc has launched a new feature for its home testing kit for cardiovascular disease (CVD), allowing patients to view test results on their NHS patient record. The kit provides a full cholesterol panel, heart age, 10-year risk of heart attack or stroke, and BMI data via the PocDoc app. Patients can also access follow-up treatment options. This initiative aims to increase uptake of health checks, especially in underserved communities, and alleviate NHS pressure through early disease detection. PocDoc plans to expand its offerings and international reach by late 2024.

AI-Driven Efficiency 

Meditech AI Enhances Workflow at Mile Bluff Medical Center 

Mile Bluff Medical Center in Wisconsin has improved workflow efficiency by implementing Meditech's AI-powered Expanse Search and Summarization technology. This tool, powered by Google Health, saves clinicians an average of 7.5 minutes per patient on pre-visit preparation. The technology consolidates disparate data into comprehensive health records, aiding timely decision-making and reducing cognitive fatigue. Launched in January 2024, it has expanded to 180 users across 23 departments, with 86% user satisfaction. The AI tool has significantly reduced time spent on chart abstraction and improved overall patient care.

Digital Solutions for Dementia 

Digital Innovations in Neurodegeneration Treatment Explored 

The BioBeat24 event in London highlighted the growing importance of digital solutions in neurodegeneration treatment. Experts discussed the role of AI in early dementia detection and the integration of smart technology in social care. Keynote speaker Professor Zoe Kourtzi emphasised AI's potential in precise patient grouping. The event also addressed the investment landscape, with insights on the challenges and opportunities in digital health. The discussions underscored the need for early diagnosis and innovative digital tools to meet the rising demand for neurodegenerative disease management.