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

🤖 US researchers have developed a new AI model called FHIR-GPT that can improve the conversion of electronic patient record data into the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. Developed by Northwestern Medicine, FHIR-GPT uses large language models to interpret and translate clinical data into the FHIR format, allowing it to be shared across different health systems. According to a study published in NEJM AI, the model achieved a 90% success rate in converting EHR data into FHIR resources, outperforming current methods.

📢 The Prince’s Trust and imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra have launched an initiative to help young people from under-represented groups get into the tech industry. The programme, “Get into IT and Administration,” offers practical support in areas like CV writing and technical training and aims to provide young people with access to career opportunities in health tech, according to the announcement.

💻 The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has invested over £5 million in laptops, tablets and phones to facilitate remote working and boost healthcare access in underprivileged areas since 2021, new data suggests. According to the Parliament Street think tank, which analysed data gathered through a freedom of information (FOI) request, DHSC spent £5,119,717 on 7,246 devices over the past three years, with laptops accounting for 70% of the expenditure.

🌍 PhD students from Coventry University are developing digital solutions to improve healthcare access in low-to-middle income countries. Supported by the Centre for Intelligent Healthcare and Hope 4 The Community CIC, these projects include digital self-management programmes for breast cancer and schizophrenia, designed to support patient empowerment and enhance quality of life in Indonesia.

👶 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals has launched a national study at Jessop Wing Maternity Unit to improve detection of cataracts in newborns. Led by Cambridge University Hospitals, the study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, involves comparing a new handheld ‘Neocam’ digital imaging device with traditional ophthalmoscopes in an effort to improve early detection and improve outcomes for affected babies.

❓ Did you know?

According to market research and consulting firm Nova 1 Advisor, the US digital health market is projected to reach just shy of $488bn (£384bn) by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 19.6% from 2024. This growth is driven by advancements in telemedicine, AI and increased internet connectivity, with North America holding the largest market share in 2023.

📖 What we’re reading

A report from The Prince’s Trust finds that young people face significant barriers to pursuing digital skills and careers, primarily due to a lack of awareness and access to resources.

Decoding The Digital Skills Gap, published on 1 August 2024, found that over a third of young people in the UK don’t study a digital or tech subject beyond Key Stage 3, and 42% don’t believe digital skills will be essential to their career. The report highlights that, while early positive engagement in digital skills is crucial to career readiness, many young people face “digital isolation” and financial barriers that prevent them accessing training opportunities.

🚨This week’s event

15 August, virtual event – NHS England: Introduction to the Model Health System