Digital Health - Q3 2021

Q3 2021 | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its content

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Digital Health

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“How data is helping save lives.” ~ Matthew Gould, CEO, NHSX

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“Since the turn of the century, AI has gone from a futuristic possibility to a modern-day reality.” ~Dean Russell MP, Member of Parliament for Watford and Chair, Digital Health APPG

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A new strategy will show how data is helping save lives At each stage of the pandemic, our understanding of the virus and how to respond to it was driven by data. Now we must continue to use data better to continue to save lives.

T WRITTEN BY Matthew Gould CEO, NHSX

he whole response to the pandemic has been datadriven. It was data that helped identify those most vulnerable to COVID-19 so we could recommend shielding. The creation of effective vaccines, the discovery that dexamethasone was an effective therapy, the efficient distribution of PPE - all were driven by data. The NHS COVID-19 Data Store helped us to track the spread and put ventilators and oxygen where it was needed so that no hospital ran out.

Now we need to build on that, so that we can continue to use data safely to save more lives. We know this will only work if we keep the trust of patients and ensure they have access to their own data.

The challenge now is to make sure that we do not just go back to where we were before, but rather build on the steps forward we have taken.

Improving patient care The NHS made it easier and faster for clinicians to access relevant information about the people they were caring for.

We simplified the guidance on accessing patient data, so staff knew that if they were sensible and careful, they could use patient data with confidence.

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Changing our relationship with health data Health data has driven the biggest decisions on lockdowns and travel. We are now more aware of health data and its power. Since we launched the NHS CovidPass, 10 million more people have signed up to the NHS App. Millions have been directly contributing their own data to studies, like the brilliant Zoe App of King’s College.

This has all happened because we were facing the biggest public health emergency in the NHS’s history. The challenge now is to make sure that we do not just go back to where we were before, but rather build on the steps forward we have taken.

Data is helping save lives NHSX’s new data strategy ‘Data Saves Lives: Reshaping Health and Social Care with Data’ is the product of wisdom and insight from across health and care, from patients and researchers. Hundreds of people and organisations have provided valuable feedback on the draft, NHSX will be publishing the final version in the coming months.

The vision is clear. Getting there will not be easy and will need us to show the benefits to patients and the NHS, to prove that patients are right to put their trust in us to preserve their privacy. But the story of the last 18 months shows what is possible, why it matters and why we need to succeed.

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Remote monitoring can boost care for patients during pandemic Digital healthcare solutions are enabling an increasing number of patients to monitor their conditions from home and send their readings and data direct to their physician.

R INTERVIEW WITH Emma Line UK Manager, Professional Medical Business, OMRON

INTERVIEW WITH Paul Stevens Director, Connected Services and Solutions, OMRON WRITTEN BY Mark Nicholls

emote patient monitoring is helping streamline healthcare delivery as the NHS continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The use of devices to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory health and other vital signs at home has risen significantly in recent years, but has been accelerated over the past 18 months.

However, while older patients and those with chronic conditions have benefited, industry observers have also noticed that younger people - who already use wearables and apps – are increasingly expecting their healthcare to be digital.

healthcare tools, such as the OMRON connect app that links in with the OMRON system. Data can be transferred to healthcare providers via the app, which can also create a report for the physician.

The emergence of increasingly sophisticated home-use devices, for example inclusion of singlelead ECG technology to check heart rhythm alongside blood pressure and algorithms that can detect conditions, such as nocturnal hypertension, have been combined with connected solutions to enable patients and doctors to detect and monitor more conditions from the comfort of home. Something that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago.

Younger users Paul Stevens, from medical equipment and health monitoring company OMRON, says older patients – many of whom had chronic conditions and were shielding - adapted to remote monitoring when it became clear they would not be able to see their physicians regularly because of COVID restrictions.

But younger people making the switch to digital solutions were motivated by a sense of helping alleviate the burden on health systems.

“This age group had become very aware of the constraints on the NHS and other healthcare systems around the world and have been looking at how they can be more proactive in their own healthcare,” says Stevens, who is OMRON’s EMEA Director for Connected Services and Solutions.

The shift to remote monitoring for older patients and those with chronic conditions has seen OMRON collaborating with NHS England, particularly over home blood pressure monitoring.

It comes as healthcare providers increasingly acknowledge the benefit of digital solutions in managing chronic disease remotely for high-risk patients.

Doctor’s dashboard Other systems are specifically designed for use by healthcare professionals to track and manage hypertensive patients.

Launched in March, OMRON’s Hypertension Plus service includes a patient app connected to their doctor’s dashboard.

“Before the current pandemic, long-term chronic disease management was creating significant strain on healthcare systems, with staff shortages common across GP services – this issue has further intensified. Hypertension Plus enables doctors to adjust the intake of prescription medication remotely, based on NICE guidelines and strong clinical evidence. It empowers patients to actively manage their condition to achieve a significant blood pressure reduction, which may result in significantly lower rates of heart attacks and strokes throughout the UK” says Stevens.

Data visualisation tools and algorithms optimise GP workflow, enabling family doctors to spend more time with complex patients and ease pressure on the health systems.

Dr Nav Chana, Clinical Director of National Association of Primary Care (NAPC) says: “COVID-19 has highlighted more than ever the importance of managing cardiovascular risk factors particularly in target populations. Technologies such as Hypertension Plus can help primary care clinicians to appropriately target their workload so that they are using their skills most appropriately and able to support patients with the resources they need to manage their blood pressure.”

Digital solutions “Before the pandemic we saw a trend towards digital solutions within healthcare as consumers changed behaviour across many areas of their lives and began to expect digital solutions in healthcare provision. But the pandemic expedited this trend,” observes Stevens.

He explains that people with hypertension increasingly manage their condition via digital READ MORE AT BUSINESSANDINDUSTRY.CO.UK

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Hypertension Plus is interoperable with GP IT systems EMIS and SystmOne ensuring a streamlined onboarding process for patients is GDPR compliant and has passed the NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC).

This demonstrates strong clinical safety and data security, providing a seal of approval for the wider adoption of the technology.

For more information visit omron-healthcare.co.uk/ rpm.html

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How new technology is transforming diabetes care The benefits of diabetes technology are enormous, but more can be done to ensure those who need it have access to it.

D WRITTEN BY Liz Perraudin Senior Policy Officer, Diabetes UK

iabetes technology is transforming the lives of people living with the condition.

There are many different types of diabetes tech, from finger prick blood glucose monitors to insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM), which sit under the skin and record your sugar levels continuously.

Newer technologies like hybrid closed-loop systems, sometimes called artificial pancreas technology, offer even more opportunity for people to better manage their diabetes.

They involve CGMs and insulin pumps ‘speaking’ to each other via an algorithm and automating insulin delivery.

Evidence shows that these technologies can significantly improve self-management of diabetes, reducing the risk of developing devastating complications like sight-loss, heart disease and strokes. They have also been shown to improve quality of life for people living with diabetes.

Access is still an issue While the evidence is there to show diabetes technology works, many people living with the condition still do not have access to it through the NHS. Access is limited and tends to be restricted to people with type 1 diabetes, despite there being growing evidence of its value for people living with type 2.

Furthermore, data shows people with type 1 diabetes living in the most deprived areas and those from ethnic minority backgrounds are least likely to be using diabetes technology.

Research is needed to understand how to address this but there are a number of potential factors contributing to this inequity: • Variation in commissioning policies at a local level can result in a postcode lottery, meaning where a person lives can dictate what technology they may have access to.

• Healthcare professionals may have biases about which children and young people with diabetes they think will most benefit from technology use.

• Technology manufacturers may not design their products inclusively, meaning usability for some groups is limited.

It is crucial more is done Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen just how beneficial diabetes technologies can be. Healthcare professionals have accessed data from non-invasive glucose monitors, allowing them to deliver high-quality care remotely.

People using these technologies have been better able to selfmanage their diabetes while access to care has been limited.

It is crucial that more is done to ensure all those who could benefit from diabetes technology have access to it. While research continues to understand in more detail the barriers to diabetes technology, investment in these technologies and working to end the postcode lottery can address at least some of the issues around equity in access.

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An explosion in tech is helping improve diabetes outcomes Those living with diabetes are benefitting from an acceleration in digital technology. But more work is needed to ensure everyone can get access to life-changing technology.

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“ INTERVIEW WITH Dr Emma Wilmot Founder, Diabetes Technology Network UK (DTN-UK), Consultant Diabetologist, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS FTHonorary (clinical) Associate Professor, University of Nottingham WRITTEN BY Kate Sharma

n just five years, things have changed dramatically,” says Dr Emma Wilmot, Founder of Diabetes Technology Network UK (DTN-UK) and Consultant Diabetologist at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton.

Back in 2017, flash glucose monitoring devices were available but only to those who could self-fund them. Until April 2019, only 11% of people living with type 1 diabetes in England had NHS funding for the tech, according to the NHS. Then everything changed. New national guidelines were introduced which ensured more of those living with diabetes could access flash glucose monitoring devices on the NHS. “We now have more than 50% of people living with type 1 diabetes who have access to it,” continues Wilmot.

Improved outcomes The technology uses a small sensor on the back of the upper arm to continuously monitor glucose levels. Results can be easily accessed by swiping the sensor with a smart phone without the need for invasive, uncomfortable finger pricks.

In a national audit, use of the tech has been shown to improve glucose levels and reduce diabetes-related hospital admissions. Fewer people living with diabetes are experiencing health issues that come with low blood sugar levels.

Training is key To help support the digital rollout, DTN-UK have developed accredited courses to build the skills and confidence of health care professionals working with diabetes technology. As the tech revolution continues, training will be vital to ensure everyone living with diabetes benefits from the latest tools.

New innovations already in the pipeline include a hybrid closed-loop system, also known as an artificial pancreas.

Available since 2018, the system continuously monitors an individual’s glucose level and automatically adjusts the amount of insulin delivered to help keep glucose levels in the

target range. NHS England have recently launched a trial of this technology in 1,000 patients.

Connected pens are also being piloted to record a patient’s insulin intake. They will be used with the flash glucose monitoring system and blood glucose meters to support people with diabetes to maintain optimal glucose levels.

These types of connections could be in circulation by the end of the year.

Bridging the digital gap While the uptake of digital technology continues to accelerate, there are concerns that some will be left behind. By its nature, these new innovations often require those living with diabetes to have access to either a smart phone or computer and some digital know how.

The COVID pandemic has already highlighted the digital divide in our nation and Wilmot is concerned that some of those living with diabetes will fail to benefit unless more is done to support access and to educate healthcare professionals in the latest technologies for those living with diabetes. Investment will be required on a much broader scale to ensure everyone benefits.

ons for seamless diabetes management.

Share glucose data from your phone to your healthcare team.Δ

AGP Report

December 7, 2019 - December 20, 2019 (14 days) GLUCOSE STATISTICS AND TARGETS

TIME IN RANGES

14 days 97%

December 7, 2019 – December 20, 2019 % Time CGM is Active Ranges And Targets For

Very High

Targets % of Readings (Time/Day) Greater than 70% (16h 48min)

Glucose Ranges Target Range 3.9–10.0 mmol/L Below 3.9 mmol/L

1% (14min)

>13.9 mmol/L

13.9

Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes 10.0

High 10.1 - 13.9 mmol/L

18% (4h 19min)

Target Range 3.9 - 10.0 mmol/L

78% (18h 43min)

Less than 4% (58min)

Below 3.0 mmol/L

Less than 1% (14min)

Above 10.0 mmol/L

Less than 25% (6h)

Above 13.9 mmol/L

Less than 5% (1h 12min)

Each 5% increase in time in range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L) is clinically beneficial.

Average Glucose Glucose Management Indicator (GMI) Glucose Variability

Defined as percent coefficient of variation (%CV); target <36%

7.8 mmol/L 6.7% 31.6%

Low

3.9 3.0

3% (43min)

3.0 - 3.8 mmol/L

Very Low

0% (0min)

<3.0 mmol/L

AMBULATORY GLUCOSE PROFILE (AGP) AGP is a summary of glucose values from the report period, with median (50%) and other percentiles shown as if occurring in a single day.

21

mmol/L

13.9

Healthcare teams can manage their patient population remotely.₼

95%

10.0

75%

Target Range

50% 25% 5%

3.9 3.0 0 12am

3am

6am

9am

12pm

3pm

6pm

12am

9pm

Review glucose reports with your healthcare team during virtual consultations.₼

DAILY GLUCOSE PROFILES

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Each daily profile represents a midnight to midnight period with the date displayed in the upper left corner.

Saturday

7

Sunday

8

Monday

9

Tuesday

10

Wednesday

11

Thursday

12

Friday

13

10.0 3.9 12am

12pm

14

12am

15

12pm

12am

16

12pm

12am

17

12pm

12am

18

12pm

12am

19

12pm

12am

12pm

12am

20

10.0 3.9 Source: Battelino, Tadej, et al. ‘Clinical Targets for Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data Interpretation: Recommendations From the International Consensus on Time in Range’ Diabetes Care, American Association, 7 June 2019, https://doi.org/10.2337/dci19-0028

ot actual patient or data. © 2021 Abbott. FreeStyle, Libre, and related brand marks are marks of Abbott. ADC-35460 v1.0 02/21.

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The potential of healthtech: how it is transforming health and social care The future of healthtech is wide-ranging in its potential to transform health and social care.

However, obstacles remain in place.

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n the reading of the Health and Care White Paper, Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said that we must look to “embrace the full potential of data and technology.”

In techUK’s Ten Point Plan for Healthtech published in February, hundreds of technology companies contributed to a series of recommendations on how the health and care sector could realise the full power of digital and data to join up care.

Shifting to digital health services One company working to help create integrated care pathways is health IT technology solutions company, Allscripts.

Richard Strong, Vice President and Managing Director, often emphasises: “We need everyone pulling in the same direction, to ensure that data can be accessed by the right people, as and when they need it. We know that when patients are treated as an active participant in their care and are given the right tools, they are more likely to engage.”

The emphasis on citizen-facing innovation is notable across the sector.

Andrew Meiner, Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer of Silverlink Software, a patient administration systems provider, says: “[We are] focusing our attentions to the way we work with healthcare organisations to deliver services that are tailored to the individual, ensuring that citizens have more opportunity to take ownership of their care.” As well as empowering patients, such technology greatly increases the efficiency and speed of services, often helping the NHS make considerable cost savings.

The shift in the use of digital health products and services can be seen across the board. Recent research conducted by health app evaluation and distribution organisation ORCHA found that digital health was not only suited to younger populations, with 52% of those aged 65 years and older supporting a move to digital health.

Collaboration between industry and Government will enable our nation to benefit from a digitally empowered future, in which patients can take ownership of their own wellbeing and health and social care workers can embrace everything healthtech has to offer.

WRITTEN BY

Julian David CEO, techUK

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Why diversity must be at the heart of AI The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health arena creates potentially unbounded opportunities to improve patient experience and health outcomes.

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ince the turn of the century, AI has gone from a futuristic possibility to a modern-day reality. The technology is being used across industries to replicate – and even outdo – complex human analysis at an unprecedented scale.

Therefore, it is no surprise that healthcare would be an obvious choice for its application.

Today, the scale of healthcare AI research is mindblowing. Global brands such as Google and IBM are dedicating resources to this fast-emerging arena along with a plethora of start-ups. In the UK, NHSX is also working at the cutting edge with the NHS AI Lab, exploring a range of opportunities from early detection of common diseases to finding cures for (currently incurable) diseases.

Big opportunities bring big challenges though, in healthcare AI these challenges are not just technological but also ethical.

As we embark on the journey towards a brand-new future of healthcare, we must make sure no one is left behind.

Tackling healthcare bias Unfortunately, with AI increasingly unleashed in the real world, one of these ethical issues is the evidence that bias exists even in the minds of machines.

In a Harvard article entitled: ‘Algorithmic Bias in Health Care Exacerbates Social Inequities — How to Prevent It’, the article states that “Bias can creep

into the process anywhere in creating algorithms: from the very beginning with study design and data collection, data entry and cleaning, algorithm and model choice, and implementation and dissemination of the results.”

The root causes of bias in AI can be complex.

However, a commonly referenced issue is the essential need to ensure access to diverse data. A November opinion piece in Scientific American entitled ‘Health Care AI Systems Are Biased’ by Amit Kaushal, M.D., PhD, explored many routes to reducing bias. A critical point was the need to “Ensure the diversity of data used to train algorithms is central to our ability to understand and mitigate biases of AI.” Improving diversity of data Any exploration of the potential issues indicates that data diversity is not the only solution, but it is an integral part. Most importantly, knowing the risk of bias is essential; otherwise, we could use systems for decades that have inherited flaws which could unwittingly discriminate across a range of areas from race to disability.

There is no doubt the digital healthcare revolution has begun and AI could be the key to unlocking some of our biggest health challenges. As we embark on the journey towards a brand-new future of healthcare, we must make sure no one is left behind.

WRITTEN BY Dean Russell MP Member of Parliament for Watford and Chair, Digital Health APPG

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Digital support is vital to aid patient recovery Offering hospital patients access to comprehensive digital technologies and online facilities can play a critical role in helping them through the recovery process.

Scientific evidence says that patients will recover faster and their outcomes will be better if in a positive environment and this is a critical part of that.

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eeping patients occupied, entertained and informed during hospital stays is recognised as a critical component in the recovery process.

While not all patients will be well enough to watch TV, speak to relatives or listen to music, many – who may otherwise be bored and feel isolated – need to be stimulated as they recuperate.

A major challenge for hospitals has been how to deliver this in a personalised and cost-effective way that does not leave patients out-ofpocket, yet enables them to continue to lead their “digital lifestyles” while incapacitated.

Better engagement Matt O’Donovan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WiFi SPARK, believes offering patients digital services provides a degree of normality, yet also aids their wellbeing and recovery.

“In a home environment we have entertainment, communications and the ability to conduct a lot of our lives online, at our fingertips. Even when we travel, we have that in a hotel.

“But in many NHS trusts the options for running our digital lives are impacted by the inability to have access to those services.”

He says better digital engagement for patients can reduce feelings of isolation, while allowing them to do much of what they expect to be able to do at home.

In addition, providing information about their condition, treatment and the hospital and wards they are on enables patients to better interact with healthcare staff and feel integrated with the environment.

App-based platform WiFi SPARK has developed the SPARK® Media app-based platform, which is available to patients through their tablets, phone and laptops, or on hospital-provided equipment.

O’Donovan says: “They could be in a bed for three days, or three weeks.

To not have those facilities available is prejudicial to their recovery.

“This platform is all about enabling patients to conduct their digital life through a basic amenity in a very easyto-deliver platform in a healthcare environment.”

Via the platform, patients can watch TV and videos, play music, or make video calls for free. It has an ergonomic design relevant to patients of all ages and their location within the hospital.

“We have a different look and feel in a paediatric ward to a geriatric ward,” he adds. “The system is tailored to meet the requirements of each part of the hospital.”

Technological knowledge Alongside educational and clinical information, the free platform gives access to what is happening in the hospital, hospital radio and how patients can get involved with charities. The amenity also extends to family members, visitors and hospital staff.

Product Manager Steven Killick says the app is suitable for different levels of technological knowledge, with ‘big buttons and clear text’, user-friendly contrasting colour schemes and for patients with dementia, includes reminiscent services such as music memories.

The company works with several NHS trusts and has recently installed the platform with University Hospitals North Midlands at the Royal Stoke Hospital and County Hospital in Stafford, which have 1,400 beds and 12,000 staff.

Positive environment The trust’s Director of Communications and Charity, Lisa Thomson, says: “This platform gives everybody who comes into the hospital free access to WiFi and the entertainment systems.

“Scientific evidence says that patients will recover faster and their outcomes will be better if in a positive environment and this is a critical part of that.”

Feedback has been positive with around 700 people a day initially accessing the service prior to promotion.

She emphasises that WiFi SPARK had worked closely with the trust to meet high standards of internal governance in terms of cybersecurity.

The system can also maintain communication for patients if a ward becomes closed to visitors because of COVID-19 restrictions, or due to other bugs such as norovirus.

INTERVIEW WITH Lisa Thomson Director of Communications and Charity at University Hospitals North Midlands NHS Trust

INTERVIEW WITH Matt O’Donovan Chief Executive Officer, WiFi SPARK

INTERVIEW WITH Steven Killick Product Manager, WiFi SPARK WRITTEN BY Mark Nicholls

Paid for by WiFi SPARK

To find out more about how technology can reduce patient isolation and bolster emotional wellbeing, visit wifispark.com/ media

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Digital healthcare – reality and benefits During the pandemic, there was talk English general practice would become a digitalfirst service. But, so far, few patients have experienced digital healthcare; the opinions of those who have are mixed on its value.

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he promise of digital technology in healthcare has been talked about for years but from a patient perspective there’s been little to show. We have the example of online systems for renewing prescriptions or making GP appointments. These systems should offer patients benefits but the feedback we’ve heard is mixed.

As for online video consultations, live chat and online symptom checkers, there is a broad range of experiences, but the trend in what patients tell us is towards negative feedback. It’s clear more work needs to be done to ensure the digital services that do exist work as advertised.

Clunky NHS admin is a weakness in the system and source of frustration to patients, the danger is this is simply reproduced in digital form.

Systems that work for patients A key concern around digital services, is that they may be used in a way that benefits health systems, without considering what patients need. Clunky NHS admin is a weakness in the system and source of frustration to patients, the danger is this is simply reproduced in digital form.

We’re also concerned about the risk of excluding people with very basic digital skills, people who don’t have smartphones, or people who can’t afford computer equipment and/or internet access. All these practical concerns need to be considered too.

Embed patient partnership If both patients and the health system are to benefit from digital technology, then partnering with patients in the design, development and deployment of such technologies is the way to ensure benefit flows to all. Evidence shows that involving patients in their individual health and more broadly in the design of systems improves both patient safety and outcomes.

For the digital health tech companies, they are still at the start of their patient partnership journey. Our travel advice is, get your patient partners onboard early and listen to what they say.

WRITTEN BY

Rachel Power Chief Executive, the Patients Association

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Data is essential, but so is trust Data plays an increasingly important role in all our lives, shaping our online interactions, enabling our travel, leisure and work, but reassurances about its safe use are key.

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ever has the need for data been so starkly highlighted as in the response to the pandemic. As the recently published Health Data Strategy highlights “Data was essential to our day-to-day response…Data made all the difference.”

There is much to welcome in the new Strategy, which recognises the huge difference use of data can make to support patients, improve safety, plan health services and develop new treatments and diagnostics. However, understandably people can be protective about sharing their health data and indeed the UK GDPR classifies health data as a ‘special category’ and gives it extra protection.

Research by the Health Research Authority has highlighted that these concerns are particularly true when it comes to data, even anonymised data, being shared with commercial entities.

Reassurances are key A robust regulatory and ethical framework must be central to providing the necessary reassurances, and this needs to be a risk-based approach, to ensure it is streamlined and agile to support early access to new innovations for NHS patients.

The ‘Five Safes’ provide a great framework and can be adopted into Trusted Research Environments where industry can test algorithms and platforms without the need to transfer ownership of the data, which can provide reassurance that data is being handled securely.

Owners and users of patient data must clearly demonstrate they can be trusted to handle the data in a safe, transparent, agreed and ethical manner.

Communicating the benefits There needs to be a concerted communications effort to highlight the rigorous safeguards that are in place, but most importantly the benefits of data to patients, the health system, economic growth and job creation.

Owners and users of patient data must clearly demonstrate they can be trusted to handle the data in a safe, transparent, agreed and ethical manner.

This needs a collaborative approach between all the parties involved from policy makers, commissioners, clinicians, academia, industry and crucially, patients.

WRITTEN BY Andrew Davies Digital Health Lead, ABHI

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Help at hand coming for chronic conditions Mental health issues can prove an extra challenge for people living with long-term and chronic conditions.

P INTERVIEW WITH Jessamy Baird General Manager, General Medicines BU, Country Lead, Sanofi UK & Ireland

INTERVIEW WITH Jason Bonnett Diabetes Head of Marketing, General Medicines BU, Sanofi UK & Ireland WRITTEN BY Mark Nicholls

eople living with long-term chronic conditions often face the additional burden of the impact on their mental health.

But while digital solutions can offer support via remote monitoring for cardiovascular disease, diabetes or lung conditions, technological support for mental health is less advanced.

This is against a backdrop of the NHS, and health systems globally, under severe strain from the COVID-19 pandemic with stretched finances and staffing resources, and mental health services facing ever-increasing demands.

Patient self-care Jessamy Baird, from pharmaceutical company Sanofi, believes there is an appetite for digital solutions within the NHS, accelerated by COVID-19, which has seen more remote consultations and a shift in patient mindset.

“Rather than people thinking about going to the GP, they are more used to email and text, so this is a great time for digital innovation,” says Baird, who is General Manager of Sanofi’s General Medicines sector and Country Lead, UK & Ireland. “We know the NHS has capacity issues and there are substantial workforce challenges, so we need to enhance that with self-care for patients with devices. We think there is a new willingness to adopt these technologies.

But it is much bigger than just physical wellbeing, it is about mental health too.”

Chronic conditions At present, there are 15 million people in England with chronic conditions. While challenges remain over access to and availability of technology, there are increasing opportunities to offer virtual support to patients as the NHS moves towards a ‘digital first’ mindset and is partnering with commercial organisations to advance this.

With expertise in chronic disease therapies and established country networks, Sanofi believes it has a role to play in this technical shift, particularly with a solution that focuses more on mental health and wellbeing of people with chronic conditions than on physical intervention.

READ MORE AT BUSINESSANDINDUSTRY.CO.UK

Jason Bonnett, Head of Marketing, General Medicines at Sanofi UK & Ireland, says: “We know that people with long-term conditions may have a worse outcome if they also have a mental health condition.

“Because of that, it is enshrined in the NHS National Framework that people with long-term conditions should have access to psychological support, however due to capacity constraints fewer than 15% of people with diabetes have access to psychological support.”

Paid for by Sanofi

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Mental health solution In looking to address this gap in mental health support, Sanofi is working with a tech firm and partnering with the NHS through the Academic Health Science Network to develop a solution that can support the unmet mental health needs of people with chronic conditions.

While at the proof-of-concept stage, the hope is to have the solution available by next year, with the aim of offering a preventive solution to individuals before their mental health issues escalate.

The artificial intelligence-driven solution is aiming to reduce the burden of mental health and at the same time find a way to see when to direct an individual towards NHS psychological support and a relevant healthcare professional.

Bridging the gap The solution can also “bridge the gap” in the period between the patient’s regular face-to-face consultations. People can use their phones to engage with the artificial intelligence-driven solution by having a conversational flow approach that could help offset any initial worries they may have.

“With AI, we believe it is possible to create solutions that could mimic a human interaction to some degree,” adds Bonnett. “This is not about replacing a psychologist, but about giving people more touchpoints outside an intervention and giving it to them when they need it.”

He says the aim is to be proactive rather than reactive and endeavouring to take preventive action before a situation escalates.

Find out more at sanofi.co.uk

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While demand for elderly care is increasing, the number of caregivers is limited. One way to address that imbalance is to make better use of data.

We need to unlock the power of data for healthy ageing If we leverage the power of data, we can create precision care services that meet the diverse needs of the elderly while reducing the burden on caregivers.

WRITTEN BY Fumiko Kudo Project Strategy Lead, World Economic Forum, C4IR Japan

WRITTEN BY Yasunori Suzue Fellow, World Economic Forum, C4IR Japan

W

hen it comes to managing dementia patients’ data, the traditional “notice and consent” model doesn’t work. Data governance is key to improving elderly care management.

The number of people over the age of 65 is growing rapidly. By 2050, one in six people globally will be over that line, a demographic shift that will create challenges for governments and medical-service providers. For example, the annual cost of dementia is expected to reach more than $1 trillion worldwide.

While demand for elderly care is increasing, the number of caregivers is limited. One way to address that imbalance is to make better use of data.

We need to create an ethical framework for data sharing that can be tested and improved based on real-world use.

The importance of data Improved use of data would help both nursing-care providers and the elderly.

It would reduce gaps between supply and demand—a “big-picture” benefit for society—and make a difference in individual lives.

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One simple example, an elderly woman overcame adjustment problems at her nursing home when she began styling other residents’ hair. It turned out she had worked as a hairdresser when she was younger.

The hairstyling solution emerged by chance, but how many similar opportunities are missed? An approach that combines the caregivers’ skills with the power of data can lead to better, more precisely tailored care.

The challenges we need to face Many barriers still need to be overcome. One is the lack of a viable data governance framework. The standard “notice and consent” model for data use doesn’t work well for dementia patients. In the absence of clear prior directives given before cognitive impairment sets in, who should give consent on behalf of the patient?

A World Economic Forum study “Good Data: Data-sharing, public trust and willingness,” provides a practical framework for addressing this challenge, emphasising the importance of governance practices driven by care providers.

Other approaches to these challenges are also developed by the Forum-led Data for Common Purpose Initiative, involving a wide range of stakeholders.

Many organisations are focusing on data protection. But the key to eliminating mistrust in data use and fully leveraging the value of data remains elusive. Ultimately, we need to create an ethical framework for data sharing that can be tested and improved based on real-world use.

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How pharma and healthcare decision makers can supercharge growth with analytics

Paid for by Appnovation

With increasing healthcare challenges, particularly at a time of a global pandemic, the need to make better use of data has never been more important.

D INTERVIEW WITH Andrew Dunbar General Manager EMEA, Appnovation.

WRITTEN BY Mark Nicholls

ecision makers in healthcare are facing unprecedented demands to respond to a fast changing landscape.

Against this backdrop, embedded analytics – which can swiftly integrate data into existing workflows to understand data instantly – coupled with state-of-the-art data visualisation tools, are helping healthcare leaders make better use of data and enhance performance.

Vital intelligence Andrew Dunbar, General Manager, EMEA of global digital consultancy Appnovation, says such applications can help unlock insights from data allowing for scalable, informed decision making.

“One of the biggest benefits of embeddable data software is that it can deliver instant and meaningful data insights,” continues Dunbar.

“Business intelligence software interprets vast reservoirs of data, breaking out bite-sized nuggets of info to meet strategy needs and presenting them seamlessly in diverse digital channels including mobile and smart devices. This approach has proved effective in clinical trials and drug development.”

Integrated approach People-driven design helps equip employees across multiple departments to make the best possible decisions every day.

Delivering an integrated approach to digital innovation is crucial, where a well-executed analytics platform uses human-centric design to bring everyone into the picture.

Data visualisation is a key part of this process, delivering

transparent and easy-to-understand intelligence that can be distributed and accessed by all.

Appnovation has partnered with Looker, Google Cloud’s modern business intelligence, embedded analytics and data application development platform, to advance this approach for customers.

Digital platform In one example, Appnovation designed a digital solution that proved pivotal in helping health authorities make critical decisions in under a week on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 between healthcare facilities in British Columbia, Canada.

To model the options, Appnovation created a secure data pipeline which collected staffing data for 100,000 healthcare workers and cross-referenced it with schedules from long term care facilities across the province.

“The encrypted data was used to create data visualisation models of staffing that provided insights and analysis for real time reporting. It enabled regional health authorities to make important decisions about provincial resourcing,” says Dunbar.

The solution supported the “single site staffing initiative,” a government mandate that healthcare staff in the province should work at only one site to lessen the risk of transmission of COVID 19.

Overall, the British Columbia government’s approach to preventing the spread of COVID-19 - including the single site staffing initiative - resulted in lower case numbers than other provinces in the early days of the pandemic.

Remote testing could help us stay healthier for longer COVID-19 has proven the need for remote testing, now we must secure the benefits.

T WRITTEN BY Jack Tabner Head of Strategic Partnerships, Thriva

hroughout the pandemic, necessity has accelerated a shift towards remote models of care, offering us a vision of how healthcare is delivered in the future.

Behaviourally, the change has been dramatic. COVID-19 has led many, across generations, to use technology in new ways, from video calls with elderly relatives, the resurgence of the QR code to the NHS Test & Trace app.

Testing at home became less sciencefiction than banal routine - regularly sticking a swab up our nose, taking a finger prick blood test, and logging and interpreting results.

Rise in remote management Across healthcare, the need to protect healthcare providers and at-risk patients saw a dramatic rise in the use of remote care management

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and remote patient monitoring with virtual wards, hospitals at home and telemedicine. Data from the Royal College of General Practitioners shows that 71% of routine consultations were remote in the four weeks leading up to April 12th 2020, compared to 25% in the same period last year.

Thriva has already played a key role as a partner for the Government’s at-home testing programme which has seen us deliver over 750,000 tests to power key research projects on COVID antibodies.

Beyond COVID COVID has proven the case and forced the expansion of these services, but we now need to take up the opportunity and reap the benefits as a society - from diagnostics, to monitoring and research.

Diagnostics play an important role

in triaging those who need care most urgently, reducing the care backlog and preserving NHS capacity for those who truly need it.

Similarly, at-home testing and preventative lifestyle focused care provides a vital solution for managing long-term conditions, freeing up capacity in General Practice and hospital outpatient departments.

Conditions like hypertension, hypothyroidism, diabetes and cardiovascular disease can all be managed through regular remote monitoring, empowering patients and reducing pressure on services.

Thriva’s work with the Royal Brompton Hospital’s Cystic Fibrosis patients allows them to own the management of their condition, reducing the need for avoidable trips to hospitals and time off work.

Beyond patient care, remote testing offers the chance for us to reduce costs and increase the quality of clinical trials and research, reducing the need for patients to come into hospital for blood tests. Similarly, it can improve mass patient screening programmes, for which it is hard to drive high levels of uptake.

This evolution towards remote testing, through services and technology which are informative, convenient and person centric could underpin an effective, successful and proactive healthcare system of the future.

Find out more at appnovation.com

Paid for by Thriva

Find out more at thriva.co

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Understandably people can be protective about sharing their health data and indeed the UK GDPR classifies health data as a ‘special category’ and gives it extra protection. ~Andrew Davies, Digital Health Lead, ABHI

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