Group items tagged

Over the last few years pharmacy and the role of pharmacy teams has changed dramatically. The introduction of technology and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within systems that provide healthcare and support to pharmacies holds great promise; for improving access to health, supporting patient outcomes, and optimising operational efficiency. Currently, the potential use of AI could span the whole of the medicines value chain, from AI-driven drug discovery to personalised medicines and automated dispensing systems. However, the rapid advancement of AI technology does raise several ethical concerns. This article will explore these concerns and how they can be addressed. In previous articles, I have discussed what underpins artificially intelligent machines and the importance of data. Datasets are the foundation on which AI algorithms learn and generate conclusions. The first step to understanding the potential ethical implications of AI across the pharmacy sector is to understand the data that is held within these foundational datasets. Patient privacy and data security AI systems in and outside of the pharmacy sector, which support patient care, rely heavily on vast amounts of medical data (patient medical records, PMR data, etc). However, the collection, storage, and use of such sensitive data can possibly bring significant privacy concerns. GDPR compliance is essential within the UK and ethical questions arise around data ownership, patient consent, and the possibility of data and cybersecurity breaches. As frontline healthcare professionals, we need to be able to support our patients when questions are asked about their data. For example, how can patients be sure their data is used only for its intended purposes? Is anonymised data truly safe from de-identification techniques that could expose private information?

In recent years, the healthcare sector has seen a significant transformation driven by the rapid advancement of technology. From improved patient care to streamlined administrative processes, technology has become an indispensable part of modern healthcare. As medical facilities worldwide embrace these innovations, it's essential to understand why the sector leans so heavily on advanced technological solutions. Below are seven key reasons illustrating the crucial role of technology in healthcare. Enhanced Radiology Workflows Advancements in technology have revolutionized radiology workflows, making the process more efficient and accurate. Digital imaging technologies, such as PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) and RIS (Radiology Information Systems), allow for the seamless storage, retrieval, and sharing of medical images. The specialists AbbaDox say that this reduces the time needed to diagnose and treat patients, significantly improving the overall efficiency of radiology departments. Additionally, AI-powered tools can assist radiologists by highlighting potential areas of concern within images, ensuring that abnormalities are not overlooked. These improvements contribute to faster, more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes.

Healthcare technology consulting helps healthcare organizations with digital transformation. It guides hospitals, clinics, and providers in using the right technologies. This leads to better efficiency and improved patient care. A key focus is EHR integration, AI automation, cloud infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. These solutions simplify clinical workflows, enhance data security, and ensure interoperability. Consulting also covers IoMT, NLP applications, and smart workflow automation. This helps organizations use advanced analytics to make better decisions. A strong consulting strategy links technology to healthcare needs. It enhances operations, boosts cybersecurity, and ensures compliance with regulations. A good plan helps healthcare organizations work better, improve patient outcomes, and grow.

Healthcare technology consulting optimizes EHR, AI, and cloud integration, enhancing efficiency, security, compliance, and patient care while reducing costs.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has published a new policy outlining how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to support pharmacy practice and improve patient care. The content has been developed in consultation with RPS members, Expert Advisory Group members, Board members, multi-professional experts in digital technology and AI, and external stakeholders including the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The policy highlights the opportunities, challenges and potential applications of AI within pharmacy now and in the future. RPS President, Professor Claire Anderson, acknowledges that AI technologies have the potential to transform pharmacy practice, noting that "there are some great examples where it's already in use." "We must optimise the opportunities that these advancing technologies can bring to enhance patient access to care, improve patient experience, support clinical decision making and improve the safety and efficiency of the medicines supply chain. "Our policy provides a framework to ensure AI is harnessed safely and effectively to support pharmacists and patients," she adds.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) made a recent announcement that the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (i.AI) and NHS England (NHSE) have joined forces in a groundbreaking move by signing a Collaboration Charter on AI. This pivotal partnership aims to equip the NHS workforce with the tools and resources to leverage AI technology for enhancing patient care, improving staff experience, and driving operational efficiency. The Charter, endorsed by Minister Burghart, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, and Lord Markham, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DHSC, signifies an important step towards integrating AI into the fabric of the NHS. Under this collaboration, the i.AI team, comprising elite technical experts within the government, will identify opportunities where AI technology can be deployed responsibly to support the NHS. This initiative is expected to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

AI in medical devices enhances clinical technology by enabling real-time signal analysis and timely responses. These devices assist care teams to improve outcomes and adapt as healthcare evolves. This blog will present an overview, key applications, challenges, and future trends, and how this technology is revolutionizing the healthcare sector.

AI in medical devices enhances diagnostics, therapy, and monitoring. Discover the impact of AI solutions for healthcare in medical device software.

Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is the use of algorithms and software. its applications in healthcare and even its definition.

Artificial Intelligence, AI, AI in HealthCare, Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare, Insights Care, Best HealthCare Magazine

Medical imaging solutions are essential for making accurate and quick diagnoses. This is central to quality healthcare. Imaging technology has progressed from X-rays to advanced AI-based imaging. These have the ability to diagnose diseases at an earlier stage and with better accuracy. These technologies improve diagnosis now and shape future patient care. Modern technologies, like MRI and CT scans, help doctors work faster. Real-time 3D imaging and predictive analytics give them better information. This helps in making informed decisions. In this blog, we will look at how these technologies are changing diagnostics. They enhance treatment results and what we can do in healthcare.

Medical imaging solutions are essential for making accurate and quick diagnoses. This is central to quality healthcare. Imaging technology has progressed from X-rays to advanced AI-based imaging. These have the ability to diagnose diseases at an earlier stage and with better accuracy. These technologies improve diagnosis now and shape future patient care. Modern technologies, like MRI and CT scans, help doctors work faster. Real-time 3D imaging and predictive analytics give them better information. This helps in making informed decisions. In this blog, we will look at how these technologies are changing diagnostics. They enhance treatment results and what we can do in healthcare.

The healthcare landscape has dramatically changed over the years, due to a number of factors, firstly having to navigate Covid-19 and now the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine technology, to name a few. As a result, training the next generation of healthcare leaders is more important now than ever. Let's look at three ways to effectively train the next generation of pharmacists: Robust Induction Programme Induction programs are an effective way of training the next generation of pharmacists as they have the ability to provide knowledge, skills and practical experience to deal with and manage common challenges they're likely to experience in their careers. These programs usually include training in pharmacokinetics, drug dosages, medication administration, and pharmacotherapy.

In an announcement following Keir Starmer's and Wes Streeting's visit to a hospital in the East Midlands, Labour Party has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Virgin Media O2 aimed at ensuring every child with type 1 diabetes can access the latest medical technology to better manage diabetes. With the NHS providing patients with type 1 diabetes the option of an 'artificial pancreas' in the next five years to manage insulin levels and Continuous Glucose Monitors launched nearly 2 years ago to monitor children's glucose levels, the initiative aims to address the financial barrier hindering hundreds of families from benefiting from this breakthrough. Labour's plan to provide every child in need a smartphone, facilitating access to modern glucose monitors, aligns with the centre-leftist party's broader vision to harness technology for healthcare transformation. Announcing the partnership in an interview with ITV News, Keir Starmer, Labour Party Leader, highlighted the lack of equitable access to medical advancement amongst patients as "travesty" and "impact of fourteen years of Conservative chaos has had on the NHS", stating:

Transitioning from analogue to digital is one of three major "shifts" the government has deemed essential for the future of the NHS. These shifts, with the other two being the moving from hospital to community care and from sickness to prevention, will also form the foundation of the 10-Year Health Plan. The question is: are the public ready to embrace this digital transformation, which would involve sharing their health data for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) systems within the NHS? Results from a UK-wide poll show that the majority of people (75 per cent) are willing to share some of their health data for AI development. The survey commissioned by the Health Foundation included more than 7,000 members of the public (aged 16 years and older). Nearly 60 per cent expressed willingness to share information about their eye health, with 58 per cent open to sharing details about the medications they are taking, and 57 per cent willing to disclose any long-term illnesses they live with.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is doubling down on its efforts to combat online pharmacy frauds, emphasising innovation, eradication of legacy systems, and cybersecurity in its updated technology roadmap. The online sale of medicines and medical devices is a "growing phenomenon offering convenience, anonymity, and lower prices " for the public. However the lack of robust cyber monitoring also "poses significant risks", as many online pharmacies are "unregulated, illegal, or fraudulent." According to the MHRA's recent report highlighting the impact of artificial intelligence on the regulation of medical products, the strategic themes of "fundamental to the successful deployment of AI" are essential for protecting consumers from fraudulent medical products.