News
NHS pilots AI to cut missed hospital appointments
Artificial intelligence (AI) that predicts likely missed appointments and offers back-up bookings will be piloted by the NHS in a bid to maximise resources and potentially save billions. Through algorithms and anonymised data, the
technology breaks down the reasons why someone may not attend an appointment – using a range of external insights including the weather, traffic and jobs. The appointments are then arranged for the most
convenient time for patients – for example, it will give evening and weekend slots to those less able to take time off during the day. The system also implements intelligent back-up bookings to ensure no clinical time is lost, maximising efficiency. It is currently being piloted in Mid and South
Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which supports a population of 1.2 million people, with an average
did not attend (DNA) rate of 8%. When used at full scale, it is predicted it will allow an additional 80- 100,000 patients to be seen each year at the Trust. It is estimated that there are eight million missed hospital appointments each year with an estimated annual cost to the NHS of £1.2 billion pounds. The software, created by Deep Medical and co-designed by a frontline worker and NHS clinical fellow, is set to be tested at five additional Trusts from this year. NHS chief executive, Amanda Pritchard, said:
“The system will help ensure patients receive ‘smart’ appointments, that are convenient and fit into people’s increasingly busy lives. It is a win-win for patients and the NHS alike – it will help us to free up doctors’ time to treat more patients, save taxpayers’ money as well as helping to reduce waiting times.”
State-of-the-art prehabilitation programme
The James Paget University Hospital in Norfolk is piloting a state-of-the-art prehabilitation programme that helps newly diagnosed cancer patients prepare for their treatment. Initially the service will be offered to people in the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with plans to extend this to other cancer patients as the pilot evolves. Patients will be able to make use of a specially designed digital cancer care app (developed by Careology) to link them with their clinical teams and monitor progress. They will also have access to specialist exercise classes in a local gym and other lifestyle and psychological support. The scheme has been developed in close collaboration with patient representatives, including Rod Earp, from the ‘Together Against Cancer’ patient user group.
Rod said: “The programme aims to give patients maximum help in understanding their treatment options, how they will affect them and how they may best adapt so they can react to the new challenges their cancer treatments will bring.” Each patient is invited to attend an assessment
clinic where their mobility and general health is assessed by an expert prehabilitation practitioner. Recommendations are then made to help patients achieve the best possible level of physical and emotional wellbeing before their treatment starts, such as joining a specially designed exercise class for people with cancer, held at a nearby centre. Newly diagnosed cancer patients will be able to use the app to track what is happening to them, while having an easy way to communicate with their cancer care team.
Careology will also provide virtual support
whenever needed, with patients able to access trusted information from Macmillan Cancer Support, downloaded through a bespoke interface. Careology will also provide a ‘virtual ward’, with remote insights and data to allow clinical teams to safely monitor the patient and their progress. The Cancer Alliance will evaluate the effectiveness of the prehabilitation programme and the benefits of the app after a six month pilot.
Calls to raise awareness of career paths in decontamination
The Clinical Services Journal recently interviewed a range of industry experts to gain an insight into key issues in decontamination. High on the agenda was the need to attract and retain staff. Speaking to CSJ ’s editor, Zoe Fayers-Rust, iM Med’s compliance division manager, shared her views on why a career in decontamination is so rewarding. She emphasised the fundamental role that decontamination has in healthcare: “Without decontamination, hospitals wouldn’t work.” As a career it is “fulfilling and interesting,” she commented. She highlighted a need to
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www.clinicalservicesjournal.com I April 2023
raise awareness of the career options available in decontamination science. This needs to be addressed internally within Trusts, as well as outside of the hospital setting, she asserted. (View the interview at:
https://youtu.be/83ubm5LKtyY) Chris Hill, national sales manager at Getinge,
believes the sector has come a long way, but agrees with Zoe that there is a need to drive awareness of decontamination and bring the discipline to the forefront. Decontamination has been ‘a Cinderella’ service in the basement, historically, but it is “the heart of the hospital”. It needs to be taken more
seriously and it needs investment, Chris asserted. (View the interview at:
https://youtu.be/y4VB- hBDU3c) Rakesh Javer, managing director, Wassenburg UK, said that apprenticeships are important steps forward, but there needs to be more investment in ongoing education and training in hospitals. “There needs to be greater recognition for the individuals performing the vital role of decontamination, in general,” he commented. The interviews took place at the IDSc annual
conference.
Reproductive factors for risk of CVD
An earlier first birth, a higher number of live births, and starting periods at a younger age are all linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems in women, according to new research. The study, led by Imperial College London researchers, provides evidence for a causal relationship between sex-specific factors and CVD in women, and identifies potential ways to mediate this increased risk. The researchers found that the increased risk for earlier menarche was associated with women having a higher body mass index (BMI). Lowering a person’s BMI could help to reduce this risk. The increased risk for earlier first birth could be partly limited by acting on traditional cardiometabolic risk factors, such as BMI, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
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