Your Morning Summary of Digital Health News: Stay Informed

In the fast-evolving world of digital health, staying updated is crucial for professionals, patients, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare. Here’s your morning summary of the latest news, innovations, and events that you need to know to remain “in the know.”

🔬 New Tool for Liver Disease Detection

A significant advancement in liver disease management has been made with the recent Class I clearance awarded to HepatoSIGHT by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This innovative case-finding tool systematically scans blood records to identify patients at higher risk of developing liver disease, a condition that claims over 10,000 lives annually in the UK. With its clearance, HepatoSIGHT is now available for clinical use across the UK, offering healthcare professionals a powerful resource in early detection and intervention.

For more information, visit HepatoSIGHT.

🦜 Birdie’s Mid-Year Review Highlights Home Care Success

The smart homecare platform Birdie has released its mid-year review, showcasing impressive statistics from the first half of 2024. The platform supported over 23 million home care visits, with a remarkable 1.6 million medication alerts resolved within 72 hours—a 63% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Birdie also noted an increase in digital observations recorded, which enable care professionals to provide more personalized care, ultimately reducing hospital visits. This data underscores the growing importance of technology in enhancing home care services.

Learn more about Birdie’s initiatives at Birdie Care.

📲 CONNECTPlus: A New Resource for Women’s Health

In a bid to improve access to reliable health information for women, the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) has launched the CONNECTPlus app. This free app offers NHS-certified advice and guidance on various topics, including conception, cervical screening, pelvic health, and menstrual problems. The app was developed following extensive engagement with 1,200 individuals from the region, highlighting the need for trustworthy health resources tailored to women’s needs.

Explore the app at CONNECTPlus.

📝 Extended Contract for Digital Psychological Therapies

The Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust has extended its contract with Xyla Health for digital and remote psychological therapies. This partnership, which has been in place since 2023, will continue until March 2025, ensuring that patients have access to vital mental health support through innovative digital solutions. This extension reflects the growing recognition of the importance of mental health services in the digital age.

Find out more about Xyla Health at Xyla Services.

💡 Nottingham’s Rehabilitation Technology Trial

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) is set to trial a range of cutting-edge technologies as part of its efforts to establish a national centre of excellence for rehabilitation. The trial will include equipment tracking, AI-driven CCTV, and voice-activated environmental controls, all aimed at enhancing the rehabilitation experience for patients. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve patient care and outcomes when the new National Rehabilitation Centre opens in Summer 2025.

Read more about this initiative at NUH News.

❓ Did You Know? The Power of 15 Minutes of Exercise

A recent study from the University of South Australia has revealed that just 15 minutes of exercise a day can significantly enhance health and wellbeing. The study, published in Healthcare, analyzed data from over 11,000 participants engaged in the “15 Minute Challenge,” a corporate m-health initiative promoting regular movement. Participants reported notable improvements in fitness, energy, overall health, sleep quality, and mood. This finding emphasizes the importance of integrating even small amounts of physical activity into daily routines.

For further insights, check out the study here.

📖 What We’re Reading: NHS Confederation Report

The NHS Confederation’s Primary Care Network has published a report titled “Realising the potential of primary care provider collaboratives,” which explores the evolving role of these collaboratives in enhancing integrated care. The report highlights the progress made by some collaboratives while acknowledging the challenges they face, particularly regarding governance and funding. It stresses the need for dedicated investment to ensure these collaboratives can thrive and effectively deliver care.

Read the full report here.

🚨 Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars for the virtual event on 10 September: “How can we ensure meaningful community and public participation in the governance and implementation of the EU’s AI Act?” This event promises to be an insightful discussion on the intersection of technology, governance, and public health.

For more details, visit Connected by Data.

Staying informed about the latest developments in digital health is essential for anyone involved in healthcare. From innovative tools and platforms to important studies and events, the landscape is continuously evolving, offering new opportunities for improving patient care and health outcomes.