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  

Medical imaging AI innovator, Qure.ai, has received breakthrough device designation from The Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health for its AI-powered tuberculosis solution, qSpot-TB. The qSpot-TB AI is a second-read computer aided detection and diagnosis device that analyses Chest X-rays to localise all noted radiological signs suggestive of TB and provide an accompanying conclusion regarding the presence or absence of TB. This may support clinical workforces, especially during a recent uptick of TB incidences in developed nations including the United States. 

???? Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have struggled to receive comprehensive and holistic care for too long. Various studies have shown that the lack of accessible resources has left IBS patients feeling isolated, hindering effective symptom management. To provide more readily available and all-encompassing IBS management, digital wellness startup GutHealth Care is set to launch its location-independent IBS care program.   

???? Cedars-Sinai announced the launch of Xaia, a spatial-computing, AI-enabled virtual psychotherapy companion accessible on the Apple Vision Pro headset that aims to help people with anxiety, addiction, depression and pain management. The healthcare system dubs the experience “generated reality,” which it defines as merging technology and therapy.   

???? Teesside University has reinforced its position as a leader in health and life sciences research by joining the Northern Health Science Alliance. The NHSA has welcomed the university as an Associate Member, joining nine other universities and nine research-intensive NHS trusts across the North of England. The Alliance works closely with its members to promote health research, innovation and life sciences in the North and to increase awareness of and drive investment into the region. 

???? The second biggest killer in England, cardiovascular disease affects around 6.4 million people. This potentially life-saving digital health check will be offered to the 10,000 Pharmacy2U repeat prescription patients, all of whom are over 40, in the region. The Healthy Heart Check, developed by partners PocDoc, uses a lateral flow test and a smartphone to provide patients with an NHS-equivalent cardiovascular screening at home, without needing to visit a GP. The check will operate alongside the existing in-person NHS Health Check and is expected to contribute to an additional one million checks over four years, while easing pressure on GP surgeries. 

❓ Did you know that 

New survey data reveals that one in five Brits (21%) have performed DIY dentistry on themselves to avoid the costs and waiting times of attending a dental appointment. Patient Claim Line surveyed 1,000 UK adults to uncover what the nation’s attitudes are towards their dental health and how regularly people are attending their dental appointments. The survey found that more than a quarter (26%) of Brits say that they have neglected their dental hygiene because they can’t easily access a dentist, whilst 22% have used at-home dental kits instead of waiting for an appointment. 

???? What we’re reading 

One concept little discussed in a health and care context is anarchism, writes Deborah Fenney in this King’s Fund blog. Sometimes described as a world without rulers, rather than without rules, this actively non-hierarchical viewpoint sits directly at odds with the way most of society – and especially the public sector – is currently organised. But many core tenets of anarchism are surprisingly applicable to a lot of the aspirations around how to deliver the best health and care.   

???? This week’s events 

6-7 February, The King’s Fund (online) – Delivering effective place-based care