The Next Frontier for AI in MedTech
Continuing from our previous reflections on our inaugural The UK MedTech Innovation Assembly, we’re now taking a deep dive into one of our most innovative panels; The Next Frontier for AI in MedTech.
This panel delved into how AI is being adopted into the wider NHS system and how it could be better integrated in the years to come.
Our AI Specialists
Artificial intelligence is one of the fastest evolving industries in the MedTech sphere with new advancements being released every day. To ensure that we were gleaming the most nuanced insights from this panel, we gathered the following experts:
- Sanjay Parekh, Global Strategy Business Development at Perspectum Ltd.
- Christophe Mallet, CEO and Co-Founder of BODYSWAPS
- Sonia Dembowska, Member of Cohort V at Conception X
- Liz Leggott, Project Manager at SYB Primary Care Workforce & Training Hub
AI Adoption in the NHS
The first point that was approached by the panellists was the current state of adoption of AI in the NHS, and whether many within the institution are even ready for the innovative technology.
Sanjay started the conversation off by pointing out the need for clinicians to see AI products used in the real world, rather than just on a screen. He argues that this would allow them to better understand the tech as many are still unaware of what it entails. He stressed the need for the NHS to provide healthcare professionals the opportunity to test AI products on real patients.
Christophe expanded on this point by advising AI businesses to align themselves with traditional technologies that have proven results for those in the NHS and limit the use of tech terminology such as “AI” due to its connotations. Sonia agreed with this but pointed out the need for individualised marketing to accommodate the differences in working patterns between separate Trusts.
‘Good to see that trial worked in that hospital, but let’s also try it in mine’ – Sonia Dembowska
Countering Barriers to Adoption
Looking at the wider picture and taking the tech pitches outside of the networks, Liz argued that in order to see meaningful change we must work from the top down. With the Collins Dictionary naming AI as the most notable word of the year in 2023, it is already known amongst clinicians, but many are not yet ready to implement it. After all, decision-makers are rarely in the room when current AI is being discussed at a clinical level. To combat this, we need to create educational onboarding sessions that can be used as training sessions for potential healthcare users. Moreover, the idea of AI must be moved from adoption to regulatory implementation using these sessions, in order to see large-scale change.
Who is Responsible for the implementation?
When asked one of their final questions which examined who within the NHS is responsible for AI’s implementation in the NHS, all of our expert panellists came to one unanimous answer: implementation must be a collaborative effort.
In order to ensure that clinicians continue to learn new technology and provide the best possible care to their patients, we need to first align the goal of the NHS with the goal of the AI product. This happens both with the help of the AI creator and the decision makers within healthcare. Changing this culture for the future can be helped by working with higher education institutions to embed the idea of innovative tech early on in next-gen professionals’ careers, but for current healthcare workers, a change in the idea of AI is important.
Unfortunately, many clinicians fear that AI will inevitably take their jobs if it is widely adopted. Changing this idea will not happen overnight, but with collaborative efforts, AI could be widely adopted across the NHS in the years to come.
The Next Steps towards AI in MedTech
The adoption of AI into MedTech is not likely to be a smooth transition. With many barriers in place limiting the innovation many of us know to be possible, the journey towards a more tech-savvy NHS will only come through collaboration and understanding. Thankfully though, the insights gathered during this panel show that the next frontier of AI in MedTech is possible within the oncoming years… if founders and NHS clinicians can work together.
To read more about this panel the adoption of innovations within the MedTech and HealthTech industries, click this link. Or sign up for details on The UK MedTech Innovation Assembly 2024 below and be a part of the MedTech movement.
Register Interest for MIA 2024
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People who have registered interest on the MIA page for next year
Details
Grove House
Mansion Gate Drive
Chapel Allerton
Leeds
LS7 4DN
Register Interest for MIA 2024
People who have registered interest on the MIA page for next year