Digital Health Coffee Time Briefing ☕ 

Your morning summary of digital health news, information and events to know about if you want to be “in the know”.   

???? News  

???? The British population has a cautiously positive attitude toward the use of AI in healthcare, according to the British Standards Institute’s Trust in AI poll of 10,000 adults. With the NHS facing pressures including the pandemic backlog, rising patient numbers, linked to an ageing population and complex disease profiles, AI poses a huge opportunity according to UK respondents, with 54% feeling excited about how AI can shape a better future for everyone by improving the accuracy of medical diagnosis.  Nearly half of Britons (49%) support the use of AI to help ease pressure on the healthcare system and reduce waiting times, while 48% believe the use of AI can help to meet staffing needs across the sector. Furthermore, over a third (37%) expect to be regularly using AI at the doctors or in hospital by 2030. 

???? Using AI modelling and simulations that analyse both patient eligibility and the capacity of surgeries to administer vaccines, AI-powered supply chain management platform 7bridges has mapped those regions of England where patients are most likely to see delays in receiving Covid-19 and flu vaccines. The data has revealed a postcode lottery in vaccine waiting times, with selected regions of England in danger of missing the October 31st target due to capacity constraints. 

???? The Orizon SMART system, an electronic device for better continence care, has been shown to cut pad usage in healthcare settings in half and save around 30 minutes per shift, according to an international study. The device reinvents continence care and has been found to improve residents’ comfort and sleep quality, lessen the time burden on staff for unnecessary bed and clothing changes – and reduce spend on protection products. 

????‍????‍????‍???? Medical technology innovator, Oncotech Nordic AB, awarded CE marking in 2022 for its mobile health screening technology, Ophtascan, will be distributed in Sri Lanka for the first time this autumn through a new partnership with the DiaPearl Group.

????‍???? Bayer, in partnership with Zappar, has today announced it has introduced a new accessible QR code on its Canescool Soothing Gel Cream product packaging to help those who are blind or partially sighted. Canescool is the world’s first women’s intimate health brand to adopt AQR codes on its product packaging and gives the over 200,000 women who are registered as blind or partially sighted in the UK improved access to information on its product. 

❓ Did you know that?  

The healthcare industry is facing significant effects from ransomware attacks, according to the Splunk Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Report. Among the findings: 96% of healthcare organisations report experiencing at least one disruptive attack over the last year. 52% experienced ransomware attacks that significantly impacted their systems and business operations.   

???? What we’re reading 

How virtual care can help ease the rural mental health crisis: The overall provider shortage, combined with other unique factors, means rural residents have the odds stacked against them when it comes to seeking mental and behavioural healthcare. But one expert says telehealth can make a big difference. 

???? This week’s events 

18 October, The King’s Fund – Population health: an opportunity to transform health and care 

18 October, Digital Health Networks – Webinar: How to maximise success through effective resource management strategies 

20 October, Digital Health Networks – EPR Implementations: Lessons Learned … Don’t do it! But, if you have to, know this …