Healthcare Policy Analysis

The 'Three Shifts' Are Already Happening

The NHS is undergoing three key shifts:
◾ moving care from hospitals to the community
◾ embracing digital transformation
◾ focusing on prevention over treatment.

These changes aim to manage rising demand due to an ageing population and ill health, improve patient outcomes, and ensure financial sustainability. Trusts like East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust are leading these efforts by strengthening community teams and implementing home-first approaches.

Further progress requires a supportive environment, equitable access, and patient-centred care. A 10-year health plan offers a chance to scale up these shifts, but it demands multi-year funding, capital investment, and social care reform. The focus must remain on prevention and holistic, community-based care to address health inequalities effectively.

Digital Transformation

2024 Budget: A Boost for Local Government and SEND

This year’s Autumn Budget brings critical financial support, including £1 billion for SEND, helping councils manage rising demands. Tools like QuickAction, Nava, and EHCP Plus are making it easier for councils to streamline tasks, improve resident engagement, and ensure that staff can focus on providing high-impact support where it’s needed most.

Learn more about these solutions.

Live Event

Three Weeks to Go! Secure Your Spot in the Future of Public Services

In just three weeks, Agilisys’ The Great Public Sector Makeover: AI’s Answer to Systemic Challenges live broadcast will bring together public sector leaders and digital transformation experts to tackle urgent issues facing local authorities, healthcare providers, and digital leaders. This virtual event is tailored for professionals seeking real-world AI solutions to the pressing challenges and inefficiencies within public services.

🗓️ Date: 25th November 2024 (Monday)

⏰ Time: 3:00 PM GMT

Their event speakers will address the critical need for reform in the public sector, with discussions including.

• Mark Thompson: Highlighting the “everything is broken” narrative to set the stage with a candid overview of the current state of public services.

• Andrew Mindenhall & Darius Toomer: Sharing insights into how Agilisys is meeting these challenges head-on, with a focus on AI’s role as part of the solution.

• Kenneth Corrêa: Presenting global use cases of Generative AI, AI agents, and applications across sectors, illustrating AI’s practical impact on transforming services.

The countdown is on - don’t miss this chance to be part of a critical conversation on the future of public services.

Register now to secure your place.

Healthcare Innovation

Digital Transformation at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust has embarked on a digital transformation journey, crucial for addressing NHS operational and financial challenges. Strong leadership, innovative thinking, and a focus on continuous improvement have been pivotal. Key leadership components include reverse engineering failure, investing in people and digital teams, and maintaining a bold, shared vision.

The Trust's digital initiatives, such as design thinking and integrated Electronic Patient Record (EPR) implementation, have improved patient and staff satisfaction. Successful EPR adoption relies on staff engagement and understanding of benefits. Ensuring readiness at individual, organisational, and system levels, with appropriate infrastructure, is essential for successful digital transformation.

Healthcare Technology

AI Reporting Standards Launched to Enhance Healthcare Transparency and Quality

NICE has introduced a new reporting standard to enhance transparency and quality in AI cost-effectiveness studies, aiming to aid healthcare decision-makers. The CHEERS-AI tool, developed after identifying quality issues in AI health economic evaluations, includes 28 existing standards and 18 new ones specific to AI, such as user autonomy and AI learning over time. This checklist seeks to ensure transparency and reproducibility in AI health economic evaluations.

The broader AI trend in healthcare includes discussions on AI's potential, bias management, and NHS deployment. Recent developments include DeepHealth's acquisition of Kheiron Medical Technologies and NHS England's guidance on AI project evaluation. Additionally, initiatives like the Alzheimer's Society's accelerator programme and digital inclusion efforts by NHS trusts highlight ongoing innovation in healthcare technology.

Healthcare Technology

Scalpel AI raises 3.8m to expand surgical instrument tracking and validation platform

Scalpel AI, a London-based company, has secured £3.8 million to expand its surgical instrument tracking platform globally. Utilising computer vision and machine learning, the technology creates a digital twin for each instrument, ensuring correct surgical tray contents and enhancing patient safety. The funding was led by Mercia Ventures, with contributions from Tensor Ventures and private investors.

The broader trend in AI within the NHS includes applications in diagnosis, treatment personalisation, and disease prediction. Recent initiatives, such as the UK government's £12 million funding for AI and other technologies, aim to address healthcare challenges.