Scientist or doctor analyzing medical exam and working in modern laboratory. Medical with futuristic technology concept.

Automation Will Play a Critical Role in the Healthcare Sector in 2024

Scientist or doctor analyzing medical exam and working in modern laboratory. Medical with futuristic technology concept.

As the healthcare industry continues to navigate mounting pressures and evolving challenges, the benefits of automation will only gain more traction

Howard Williams, Director, ThinkAutomation

The healthcare industry is inundated with challenges, from an ageing population and higher cost of care to poor processes between providers and a mountain of repetitive tasks restraining staff from higher-value, patient-focused work. Burnout among healthcare professionals is also becoming a growing concern as the sector continues to be stretched by chronic underfunding, increased demand for services and long waiting times. Post-COVID-19 healthcare has also experienced increased workforce pressures. The NHS was oversubscribed before the pandemic and the impact of it has been crippling.

The healthcare industry is also facing a crisis in recruitment and staff retention. With many healthcare professionals choosing to leave the industry due to feeling overwhelmed. Staff retention is key in any high-skill industry and healthcare organisations need to look at better ways to perform processes while achieving cost savings, improving patient care and ensuring that healthcare professionals stay within the industry.

Third-party software providers can provide intelligent automation that can improve healthcare services by removing inefficiencies and bottlenecks by strategically integrating systems with other technologies for better cross-department communication. Automation also frees up time for healthcare professionals to concentrate on patient care and front-line services, by handling the most time-consuming data processing and administration tasks.

Automate your healthcare administration

According to Fact.MR, the global healthcare automation market was valued at $38.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $94 billion by the end of 2033. With the evolution towards smart healthcare services, automation needs to be embedded across all clinical pathways. 

Third-party software providers can implement automation that helps healthcare providers to manage their admin in a way that’s comprehensive, cost-effective, and HIPAA compliant. It also enables healthcare providers to keep confidential patient data inside their organisation. Robust automation platforms are designed to meet the security needs of healthcare organisations. Installable deployment keeps healthcare providers in control of sensitive patient data, allowing them to easily comply with HIPAA guidelines.

Durable and continuous automation can also provide secure, local data processing. It can sit behind an organisation’s DMZ, it is independent from third-party clouds and encryption and decryption of data can be rolled in as standard. It can also run on healthcare providers’ own servers and behind their firewalls.

One tool, hundreds of tasks automated

Automation can handle any number of administrative processes, for a fraction of the usual cost. Third-party software providers can provide subscriptions that cover healthcare providers for unlimited data processing and unlimited workflows. Automation lets healthcare providers send automated SMS alerts or appointment reminders, issue triggered outbound emails to patients and staff, process attachments and extract and upload data, automate the patient enrolment process, bridge IT systems and share data internally, send, receive, and store messages in 40+ languages with auto-translation. Flexible healthcare automation is an open-ended workshop. Healthcare organisations can build out the custom workflows that work for their organisation, all using rule-based logic.

The benefits of automation

As the healthcare industry continues to navigate mounting pressures and evolving challenges, the benefits automation will only gain more and more traction. As healthcare leaders evaluate their infrastructure, expenditures and processes, digitisation and automation will be front and centre.

Healthcare automation means that clinicians can spend less time on administrative and time-consuming, inefficient, process tasks, freeing them up to focus on their expertise, engage with patients and streamline care.

Automation in healthcare improves healthcare delivery, reduces costs, enhances patient outcomes as well vastly improving the employee experience. As technology continues to advance, providers, patients and employees stand to see even more benefits.

Hospital technology

Hundreds of Sickle Cell Patients to Benefit from £1.5M Technology Investment

Hospital technology

Children, young people, and adults across England suffering from sickle cell disease will soon benefit from better care closer to where they live, following the announcement of a £1.5M investment in 25 red blood cell exchange devices.

Funding for the Spectra Optia® Apheresis System devices has been distributed to 22 NHS trusts, with the devices set to be installed in hospitals for the treatment of patients by the end of March.

There are approximately 15,000 people in the England with sickle cell disease, and around 10% of these are eligible for the treatment on the NHS. Investment in the rollout of this technology could provide an additional 10,000 apheresis procedures annually.

Sickle cell patients often find themselves in and out of hospitals, enduring severe pain and requiring regular “top-up” blood transfusions.

Automating red blood cell exchanges can help reduce the necessity for top-up transfusions, effectively manage pain, and lower the risk of experiencing a crisis. Eligible patients can receive treatment every six to eight weeks.

Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts people from West African and Afro-Caribbean communities, and patients also often live in the most socio-economically deprived areas and are at higher risk of both re-admissions and in-hospital mortality.

The funding will provide at least one machine to each of the trusts that expressed an interest in expanding their automated red blood cell exchange services. This will mean patients in urban, rural, and coastal areas will have improved access to services, which in turn will help tackle the inequalities in healthcare access and health outcomes amongst people with sickle cell disease.

This investment comes from NHS England Specialised Commissioning.

The Spectra Optia device is one of the technologies supported through NHS England’s MedTech Funding Mandate. The Health Innovation Network (formerly known as the AHSN Network) is the lead delivery partner for the Mandate, which is designed to accelerate the adoption of selected cost-saving medical technologies, diagnostics, and digital products recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Improving access to red blood cell exchange therapy has the potential to save NHS England up to £12.9M[1] annually while reducing health inequalities. 

Harriet Smith, National Programme Lead for Spectra Optia at Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, said: “This funding will play a pivotal role in ensuring sickle cell patients receive more regular care closer to where they live, as well as help reduce health inequalities. I’m very proud of the role the MedTech Funding Mandate has played in the rollout of this technology to ensure we meet the automated red blood cell exchange needs of sickle cell patients.”

John Stewart, National Director for Specialised Commissioning, NHS England, added: “NHS England is committed to improving the support provided to people with sickle cell disease. This investment to increase the number of devices for automated red blood cell exchange across the country will support the expansion of services and improve access for patients who need regular transfusions.”

Verena Stocker, Director of Research, Innovation, Life Sciences and Strategy, NHS England: “This innovation is a great example of how working collaboratively across organisations helps accelerate the uptake of life-changing innovations. We are committed to bringing the best health technologies to patients more quickly, supporting the spread and adoption of medical devices, diagnostics, and digital products that are clinically effective.”

Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies: “This investment helps more patients get treatment with a proven therapy to manage sickle cell disease. This option has existed for years but has been inaccessible to some patients — especially in underserved communities — due to barriers, including limited awareness. Now, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the NHS, the Health Innovation Network, and the voice of patients, this sickle cell therapy with Spectra Optia will be an option for more people who may benefit.”

Proteocyte AI

Accurately Predicting Your Risk of Developing Oral Cancer Early Detection Tool Saves Lives: Proteocyte AI

Proteocyte AI

Proteocyte AI is a Canadian medtech company that uses proteomics to individually assess cancer risk in vulnerable patients. The STRATICYTE test, which assigns a five-year oral cancer risk score to patients with oral pre-cancer (OPMD), has just become commercially available after years of development and research. It has been made possible by the Proteocyte team, a very experienced, diversified, balanced, and extremely driven group that includes oral surgeons, head and neck surgeons, otolaryngologists, medical pathologists, oral pathologists, and health research scientists.

Oral cancer develops in hundreds of thousands of new patients globally each year. Unfortunately, the five-year survival rate of 50-60% has stood relatively unchanged over the past 50 years. The high mortality of this disease is due to late presentation for definitive and potentially curative treatment. Only 25% of oral cancer patients present with early disease.

Cancer developing from the mucosal lining of the mouth and called Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for most oral cancer cases. Virtually all OSCCs develop from a pre-existing lesion called OPMD (Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder). There are a number of conditions comprising the WHO OPMD classification system, some with malignant transformation rates as high as 36%.

Identifying high-risk patients and managing them appropriately should lead to diagnosis of OSCC at the earliest stages of micro-invasion, thus lowering the mortality and morbidity of this disease. Some cases of OSCC may in fact be prevented with aggressive management of high risk OPMD patients.

Clinical oral examination, even with the assistance of various dyes and lights, cannot reliably identify OSCC or OPMD high risk patients. Clinicians must biopsy suspicious lesions and have routine histopathology performed on the submitted tissue.

The “gold standard” for assessing risk of OPMD lesions that may undergo malignant transformation has been dysplasia grading. Dysplasia grading is a subjective microscopic opinion from the pathologist regarding how abnormal the biopsy tissue is. Dysplasia grading has poor reproducibility and poor cancer predictive ability, but it has governed OPMD patient management for decades.

For many years, there has been a world-wide search for a reliable biomarker that can be objectively quantified and analyzed in OMPD patients and be used to predict cancer risk. Most potential tests are still a long way away from actual clinical use.

Proteocyte AI now offers the STRATICYTE test for use in the management of OPMD patients, which has the backing of numerous key opinion leaders who have been waiting for years to have an accurate biomarker to assist with the care of these patients.

If a suspicious oral lesion is identified and biopsied by the surgeon, and a diagnosis of OPMD is rendered, unstained microscopic slides from the lab handling the original biopsy tissue are requested for STRATICYTE testing. STRATICYTE testing can be seamlessly incorporated into your practice as no additional biopsy is required. The slides are immunohistochemically stained for a cellular protein called S100A7 which is involved in cell replication and invasion in many cancers. The digitalized microscopic images are computer scanned and analyzed for S100A7 and cellular morphology and the results are compared with a large database of patients followed for many years that have or have not gone on to develop OSCC. An individualized five-year oral risk is assigned to the patient as either low or elevated, directing appropriate surveillance.

High risk patients will be monitored and treated more aggressively. Clinicians and patients can now feel confident that their care is being guided by an advanced and truly objective test.

Ultimately, it comes as no surprise that Proteocyte AI has recently been recognized in the Global Excellence Awards 2023 with Best Innovative Prediction Platform, 2023 – Canada. As the company continues to develop new products to address oral cancer as well as other human cancers, Proteocyte AI hopes to continue making a positive impact on the lives of patients at risk of oral cancer, as well as increasing its reach to clinicians and patients globally, reducing the mortality, morbidity, and the financial burden of oral cancer.

The STRATICYTE test is now commercially available to order in Canada and the US.

ORDER THE TEST. PROTEOCYTE DOES THE REST. ORDER THE STRATICYTETM TEST ONLINE! Visit proteocyte.com or call: 1-833-5-PROTEO (1-833-577-6836) Or email: [email protected]

Proteocyte hopes to see STRATICYTE available globally in the near future. The sensitivity and specificity performance of the STRATICYTE test is comparable to other cancer prediction tools such as Mammaprint and Endopredict.

“Early detection is the key to saving lives and improving outcomes related to oral cancer. Straticyte™ is an innovative new test that can help us to better stratify patients and personalize their treatment.”

Dr. Deepak Kademani, DMD, MD, FACS Fellowship Director, Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery, Minnesota Oral and Facial Surgery

Email: [email protected]
Company: Proteocyte AI
Web Address: https://proteocyte.com/straticyte/

Uncovering the Hidden ROI of Pharmacovigilance Literature Monitoring

In pharmacovigilance, the perception that investment in medical literature monitoring yields a low return on investment (ROI) is not uncommon. Critics argue that the costs and efforts involved in implementing and maintaining such systems are substantial and often outweigh the benefits. However, it is essential to debunk this stereotype and recognize the significant value that pharmacovigilance literature monitoring brings to the table.

The cost of pharmacovigilance literature monitoring

Indeed, setting up an all-encompassing pharmacovigilance literature monitoring system does come with its share of financial commitments. These expenses include acquiring technology, developing software, training personnel, and ensuring continuous upkeep. Moreover, the necessity of adapting to ever-evolving regulations and the expanding body of medical literature can add to the overall costs. However, it’s essential to consider the larger perspective, considering that the chosen approach for literature monitoring—whether it’s outsourcing, in-house management, or a combination of both—can significantly impact the financial outlay. Additionally, it’s worth noting that intriguing options exist in the market that don’t necessitate substantial investments or extensive internal system overhauls.

The ROI of safety

One of the primary objectives of pharmacovigilance literature monitoring is to enhance patient safety. By continuously tracking and evaluating adverse events and potential drug interactions, pharmaceutical companies can take timely actions to prevent patient harm. Avoiding adverse events, including regulatory fines and legal liabilities, represents a considerable return on investment. Moreover, safeguarding a company’s reputation and brand value is invaluable. An insightful article on the DrugCard platform blog discusses the significant impact of robust and ongoing pharmacovigilance on a brand’s reputation. It also highlights its role in cost savings for pharmaceutical companies and ensuring patient safety.

Pharmacovigilance literature monitoring: Ensuring regulatory compliance and approvals

Pharmaceutical companies must comply with stringent regulatory requirements. Proper pharmacovigilance literature monitoring ensures compliance with global regulations, such as the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) pharmacovigilance requirements. Ensuring adherence to these regulations is not just a matter of avoiding penalties. It’s also essential for expediting drug approvals and expanding market access. Faster approvals can lead to earlier product launches and increased market share.

Data-driven insights

Pharmacovigilance literature monitoring generates a wealth of data that can be leveraged for business intelligence. By analyzing trends and patterns in adverse event reports and medical literature, pharmaceutical companies can identify emerging risks and opportunities. This data-driven approach allows for more informed decision-making and the development of proactive risk management strategies.

Improved R&D efficiency by pharmacovigilance literature monitoring

Investing in pharmacovigilance literature monitoring can also streamline the research and development (R&D) process. By identifying safety concerns early, pharmaceutical companies can optimize their research efforts and allocate resources more effectively. Reducing the risk of late-stage clinical trial failures can save millions of dollars and years of development time.

Competitive advantage

In a highly competitive pharmaceutical industry, differentiation is crucial. A robust pharmacovigilance literature monitoring system can set a company apart by demonstrating a commitment to patient safety and product quality. Such a reputation can attract partners, investors, and consumers, ultimately increasing market share and revenues. Public perception of a pharmaceutical company can significantly impact its success. A commitment to pharmacovigilance and safety can enhance a company’s image, fostering trust among healthcare professionals, regulators, and the general public. This trust can lead to increased sales and broader market penetration.

Realizing the true value of pharmacovigilance literature monitoring

In conclusion, the stereotype that pharmacovigilance literature monitoring yields a low ROI due to high costs is a limited perspective that fails to consider the broader benefits. Pharmaceutical companies that recognize the value of pharmacovigilance literature monitoring as an essential part of their operations are better positioned to succeed in a complex and highly regulated industry. Embracing a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to pharmacovigilance is critical for achieving the highest ROI. This approach should go beyond mere compliance, including proactive risk management and the utilization of business intelligence. In doing so, companies can ensure the safety of patients while reaping the rewards of their investment in pharmacovigilance literature monitoring.

Blockchain Technology Can be Used to Prevent, Reduce Medication Errors

Healthcare is one industry where records are of utmost importance as they help in preventing and reducing medical error. According to the article “Medication Dispensing Errors and Prevention” published by the National Library of Medicine in May 2023, 7,000 to 9,000 patients die each year in the United States due to medication error.  And the cost of treating over 7seven million patients due to medication errors amount to a total of $40 billion annually. 

The article further states that “medication errors may be due to human errors, but it often results from a flawed system with inadequate backup to detect mistakes.” For instance, a completely paper-based system would have a doctor handing a written order for a patient to a nurse. The nurse then executes the order, but might make a mistake in the type of medication or dosage due to illegible handwriting. 

Although this could be considered human error, it ultimately points to a flawed paper-based or analog system that can be easily resolved by establishing an electronic health records (EHR) system. With this kind of digital system, all clinic or hospital staff will enter orders, prescriptions and other health information to an EHR application or platform. Everyone is logged in with their own user ID and password in order to ensure information security and veracity.

Everything is clear as it is not handwritten or verbal, and there is an electronic trace of the entire process. This not only makes the system more efficient, but also strengthens accountability and error mitigation and correction. Furthermore, an EHR system can not only organize and store health records, but also flag possible negative drug interactions and reactions. 

It can also result in improved and more accurate patient diagnoses, treatments and outcomes; enhanced coordination between healthcare professionals and other stakeholders; more efficient handling and compilation of patient information for other purposes like research and medicine development; and bigger cost savings due to general improved efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Blockchain as Technological Foundation for EHR Platforms

The crucial question to ask now is what technology can be used so that EHR systems can be developed and used in a way that is both efficient and economical. Recording each entry should be seamless and instantaneous, and there should be sufficient storage to accommodate past, present and future health records. 

As awareness and education about blockchain technology spread to both the private and public sectors of business, it has been eyed by many EHR system providers and startups to act as a foundation for their platforms. This is because blockchain enables the immutable and chronological recording and storage of data.

Each entry on the blockchain is processed as a transaction and collected in a data block. Once a block is full, it is linked to a previously completed block to form a chain. Bigger blocks allow for more space for transactions and a higher throughput as calculated in transactions per second (TPS). 

Blockchain transactions are processed by nodes or miners on the network. A blockchain is both decentralized and distributed. It is decentralized because there is no central authority figure in control of the network. Any kind of change on transaction data must be agreed upon by all nodes, which makes data immutable and tamper-proof. 

On the other hand, a blockchain is called a distributed ledger because each miner on the network has a master copy of all transactions updated in near real time. In this way, even if a miner decides to halt its operations, there is no data loss as all other miners have a master copy of its transaction history. 

These capabilities of blockchain make it the ideal technological foundation for an EHR platform. There will be no risk of data loss unlike when a server crashes. Each entry can be recorded instantly and immutably, and there will be no downtime. Data integrity is ensured because it would be nearly impossible to manipulate data. 

Transparency is also guaranteed as a complete transaction history can be immediately accessed when needed. With blockchain, verification of each transaction is made easier, and each detail regarding the transaction can be viewed. This means that healthcare practitioners can refer to it at any given time. 

Healthcare administrators can also easily trace where and how a medication error was committed, who can be held accountable, and what to do so that it does not happen again. Many in the healthcare industry are already digitizing records and digitalizing their processes and systems. Significant to this is choosing which technology to use when it comes to upgrading to an EHR system. 

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Blockchain

An EHR platform would necessitate an enterprise blockchain, which is especially geared towards catering to the needs of large-scale businesses and governments. Enterprise blockchains can handle the high number of transactions and massive amount of data needed by companies and organizations.

Efficiency and affordability are two of the most decisive factors when choosing which enterprise blockchain to build an EHR platform on. Network latencies and crashes, as well as surges in transaction fees during busy hours, will definitely cause more problems than provide solutions. 

Scalability is crucial, not only to the ability of a blockchain to complete transactions instantly and accommodate big data, but also to the lowering down and stabilizing of fees. Scaling makes a blockchain an efficient yet affordable solution to digital system deficiencies.

For instance, the BSV Blockchain has unlocked its ability to scale unbounded after restoring the original Bitcoin design as close as possible to how it was stated in the white paper written by Satoshi Nakamoto. The pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, the first functional implementation of blockchain technology, has always maintained that his invention was built to scale.

Compare unscalable Ethereum (ETH) and BSV Blockchain. ETH, launched in July 2015, has completed a total of 1.1 billion transactions at a current average throughput of 14.5 TPS and a fee of $5.37 per transaction. Its transaction processing time ranges from 15 seconds to five minutes. 

On the other hand, BSV Blockchain, established in November 2018, has already processed a total of 1.3 billion transactions, even setting a world record of 128 million transactions in 24 hours. It has scaled to 4GB data blocks and a throughput of 50,000 TPS at an average fee of $0.000003 and transaction time of less than two seconds. And these numbers will only improve as the network continues to scale.

Imagine a hospital writing 1,000 records on a blockchain-based EHR platform in a day and paying over $5 for each record. Spending more than $5,000 on a daily basis just to record and store information is definitely not practical for any hospital or clinic. 

And what if there is a surge in transaction fees and it reaches over $10 per transaction? Just last May, ETH transaction fees reached $14. Will the hospital just stop recording patient information because it cannot afford the fees? And can the hospital sustain waiting minutes for each data entry? 

What if the network crashes due to low throughput, can the hospital suspend its operations and wait for the system to go back online? How can an EHR platform designed to prevent and reduce medication errors achieve its goal when the system itself is disrupted by latencies and downtimes?

Getting the answers to these questions is critical when choosing which blockchain to build an EHR platform on. With the right blockchain, an EHR platform can definitely produce real results—not only in mitigating medication errors, but also in improving healthcare systems and processes.

Medical Innovation

Multi-Jet Fusion Technology: A Medical Marvel?

Medical Innovation

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is transforming the medical world, with multi-jet fusion technology being heralded as a disruptive game-changer. 3D printing expert Luke Smoothy, Director of Get It Made, explores some of the emerging innovations and benefits that this existing, fast-developing technology offers.

Significant growth within the medical 3D printing market is forecast to jump from just over £1.6 billion in sales in 2022, to more than £3.2 billion in 2026. While customisation, lower production costs, and quick turnarounds are said to be factors, what about the wider-reaching benefits?

 

The industry benefits of MJF

Additive manufacturing is providing solutions for a whole raft of requirements, ranging from PPE to medical devices and isolation wards, as well as being used to create custom implants to meet the individual needs of a patient, improving functionality and patient comfort.

3D-printed surgical guides can act as an aid to surgeons performing joint replacement, spinal, and other complex surgeries, leading to improved accuracy and precision during procedures, increased success rates, and reduced recovery times. Yet such is the potential of 3D printing in this field over the next few years and beyond, these capabilities could merely prove to be just the tip of the iceberg.

Certainly, one type of 3D printing that could accelerate medical innovation is multi-jet fusion technology (known as MJF). Invented by HP, it is a powder-based additive manufacturing process which involves selectively fusing layers of powder material using thermal energy.

MJF is known for its compatibility to the healthcare and medical sectors due to its ability to quickly produce biocompatible custom one-off parts. In particular, custom-made orthotics and prosthetics have seen a significant rise over recent years, as MJF can create detailed lattices that can be matched to the user’s body shape and skin tone.

Indeed, 3D printing’s ability to simplify complex geometries such as this will pave the way for creating printed ‘smart materials’, with geometries that are nearly impossible to produce using other methods, in doing so enhancing current devices with new properties and improved performance. Some of the smart devices currently being researched include prosthetic limbs with built-in sensitivity, self-expanding stents, self-healing joint replacements, and drug delivery devices that respond to infection.

 

Stepping up production: iOrthotics 

Among HP’s achievements over the past few years is its work with Australian manufacturer iOrthotics, which develops custom made orthotic devices for podiatrists, and is illustrative of how the use of MJF 3D printing technology can lead to improving patient outcomes while also reducing waste.

Tasked with finding a solution that could enable the development of higher quality custom orthotics, HP also had to ensure that the products were stronger and lighter than those made using other manufacturing processes. Traditionally, they were made using plaster of Paris casts, an inaccurate and messy method that often resulted in almost unwearable orthotics. Furthermore, the equipment used in traditional manufacturing, including milling machines and grinders, took up a significant amount of space and subtractive manufacturing processes were also notoriously wasteful. To create a pair of orthotics that weighed a mere 100 grams required 1.5 kilograms of material.

Part of that better solution sought by iOrthotics called for the integration of HP’s technology into a digital workflow that was faster, more sustainable and less expensive, allowing iOrthotics to produce custom orthotics, on demand.

“The goals for any orthotic device are to support the foot, improve foot function and correct alignment,” says Podiatrist Ian Goodchild. “With 3D scanning and printing we saw an opportunity to improve the quality of orthotic devices, while also scaling up our production and reducing the waste involved with traditional methods.”

The outcome saw the implementation of a 3D scanning solution which enabled more exact measurement as well as more portability, allowing the foot to be measured in a more natural position. Custom software was also developed to automate much of the work involved with designing a print-ready orthotic. Adoption of HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology also meant that the orthotics company’s criteria of strength, durability and economic viability were met, as was quality, having found that the materials used and the quality of product it could produce was superior to alternative methods.

In addition, HP’s space-saving equipment allowed them to operate more efficiently, and a speedier production process enabled iOrthotics to meet rapidly expanding business growth.

The results were a testament to HP’s pioneering development in the 3D printing world and more specifically, with MJF. iOrthotics tripled its daily production output, from 30 to approximately 90 orthotic devices, while having the added capability to increase capacity in accordance with increased demand.

Thanks to extensive research and testing iOrthotics conducted with the University of Queensland, it was proven that orthotic devices manufactured by HP’s technology were 40-60% stronger than those produced using traditional polypropylene milling.

 

Revolutionising physical therapy: Optima Recovery

MJF technology like HP’s is creating a game-changing technological shift, making mass customisation possible, as well as the ability to quickly develop robust, lighter weight, consolidated parts, while creating a speed-to-market advantage for medical innovators, including start-ups such as Optima Recovery.  

In collaboration with Athena 3D Manufacturing, the disruptive medtech start-up wanted to create low cost, higher volume production quality parts for its ground-breaking combination thermotherapy and cryotherapy device. Harnessing HP’s MJF 3D printing technology, together they re-engineered 60% of parts, enabling the move from prototyping to production with one seamless solution.

Thanks to MJF, the digitally manufactured parts for each device can be produced in one and a half print builds, allowing parts to be delivered significantly more quickly than with injection moulding and other technologies. These parts not only offer better performance, but as they were consolidated, have reduced assembly time by 75 to 85% in some cases.

 

The future of 3D printing

With the boundaries of manufacturing and prototyping being stretched like never before thanks to the potential offered by MJF technology, combined with fast-evolving innovation, the decade ahead now holds even greater promise for many industries, not least of all healthtech and medtech. And with the integration of 3D printing with emerging technologies such as AI and robotics heralding a new era of automated and efficient manufacturing processes, an extraordinary shift is occurring. Naturally, there will be challenges ahead, but now is the time for manufacturers to fully embrace the potential of 3D printing in the medical sector.

Team of doctors, healthcare and women with laptop, working together and digital hospital schedule or agenda.

Optimizing the Patient Journey: Harnessing AI/ML Enhanced Brand Opportunities

Team of doctors, healthcare and women with laptop, working together and digital hospital schedule or agenda.

Authors: Stephanie Roy and Ban Tawfik

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools have emerged as transformative, revolutionizing commercial outreach strategies and maximizing their impact. By streamlining operations, reducing costs, and providing valuable insights, these technologies are now instrumental in overcoming the challenges of new product launches, intensified competition for smaller patient populations, and the proliferation of innovative therapies.

Commercial teams face mounting pressure to swiftly establish their products in the market, requiring a deep understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and the patient journey. Access to non-identified data that encompasses comprehensive patient journeys, healthcare provider (HCP) preferences, and patient treatment-seeking behaviors makes this possible. Commercial teams have already leveraged AI/ML advancements and predictive analytics to identify an entire treatable population for specific diseases and pinpoint physicians likely to prescribe treatments. Adopting this personalized, data-driven approach amplifies current strategies and provides real-time insights into diverse patient profiles, intricate journey mapping, and HCP interactions with remarkable speed and precision. Consequently, sales and marketing efforts become more agile and laser-focused on expanding market share.

 

Advantages and challenges of utilizing real-world patient data for improved commercial strategies and patient outcomes

Life science companies increasingly use real-world patient data (RWD) to improve outcomes and enhance their market strategies, helping the right products reach the right patients at the right time. This data provides valuable insights for budget impact models, impactful brand messaging, and effective outreach plans, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the disease landscape, patient characteristics, and unmet needs.

The integration of RWD into clinical trial approaches and commercial strategies improves outcomes, but the implementation of RWD is a complex process. To be successful, organizations need access to technology and local domain expertise, including a better understanding of the challenges related to data privacy regulations, the decentralized decision-making processes, and fragmented data in European markets. Despite the abundance of structured and unstructured data sources available, extracting meaningful insights from them for swift decision-making remains a challenge.

By capitalizing on real-world patient data, life science companies can align their research and commercialization efforts with the goal of enhancing patients’ lives through effective treatments. This is particularly important in niche indications with limited patient populations, empowering industry stakeholders to more precisely navigate this changing landscape.

 

Unleashing the potential of AI/ML: Transforming personalized strategies for enhanced healthcare outcomes

Pharmaceutical sales and marketing teams face the complex task of capturing the attention of time-constrained healthcare professionals, requiring a shift from generic pitches to personalized approaches. AI/ML technologies provide specific physician and patient-level insights teams need to build precise marketing and sales strategies that deliver better results through a suite of purpose-built algorithms including early disease detection, disease progression, non-adherence patterns, and more.

Aligning brand value and sales potential with market needs can be achieved through AI/ML optimization, allowing organizations to engage customers effectively and identify market gaps. A comprehensive view of patients and providers facilitates the identification of market gaps, while a deeper understanding of patient journeys and treatment pathways unveils opportunities for personalized interventions. Predictive analytics empower market development by identifying new patients, and profiling and segmenting HCPs quickly and accurately enables targeted engagement with key decision makers. Embracing these data-driven approaches help to optimize brand performance, maximize resources, and drive commercial success. These approaches have had a measurable impact on life science companies, such as generating a 35% RX uplift and 27% increase in brand conversions as well as identifying 95x more undiagnosed patients for ultra-rare diseases than traditional approaches.

 

Finding the right partner

This transformative era presents an unprecedented opportunity to swiftly address intricate inquiries in real-time. However, the development and utilization of groundbreaking algorithms necessitate a deep understanding of the patient data landscape and the intricacies involved with global data collection. To fully realize the potential of AI/ML capabilities, organizations will need partners with access to advanced ML and analytics technology, integrated global industry data, deep healthcare industry knowledge, and technical expertise in building insightful algorithms.

Each organization has unique needs and finding the right kind of partnership will depend on the domain of interest. For example, if an organization is operating across different global regions, a partner can provide AI insights that will help navigate the complex landscape of global data regulations and determine which standards apply to a given initiative. For organizations that need to reach niche patient populations, partners can help elucidate unique patient needs and help shape personalized engagement for better intervention outcomes.

Equipped with data, advanced technology, and industry expertise, companies can forge ahead and create AI/ML-driven solutions that provide invaluable insights for medical, commercial, and health system decisions. As they look toward the future, strategic partnerships will be the catalyst for innovation, propelling the life sciences industry into uncharted territories of discovery and success.

 

Bios:

Stephanie Roy

Stephanie leads the Global Commercial and Medical Affairs segment within IQVIA’s Analytics and AI Solutions team.  Her team helps design and deliver innovative, data-driven analytical solutions, providing patient and HCP insights to Pharma clients.  She has been with IQVIA for ten years in a variety of delivery, consulting, and business development roles.  Ms. Roy completed an MBA/MPH degree with a focus on healthcare policy and administration from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and a BA in Biological Science from the University of Chicago.

 

Ban Tawfik

Ban leads the product design, technical delivery, and commercial strategy of IQVIA’s Analytics Solutions and AI solutions in the xUS markets. She’s been with IQVIA for 6 years helping clients realize value from utilizing predictions and advance RWD insights. Before IQVIA, Ban has worked as Senior Product Manager at several global software providers, and as Head of Patient Engagement Solutions for one of the UK’s leading providers of global point-of-care systems in healthcare. 

CSL Seqirus

GHP Legacy Award in Biotechnology 2023

CSL Broadmeadows

As time goes by, we experience more advancements in the world of biotechnology. This progression means we can live longer, healthier lives, thanks to the innovation and collaboration of biotechnology companies. Here, CSL Seqirus shares more about safeguarding public health following their win at the International Life Sciences Awards 2023.

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses which circulate in all parts of the world.1 Each year, influenza causes 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and about 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths.1 This, along with Covid-19, RSV and pneumococcal infections, continue to present major threats to health systems globally.2

CSL Seqirus works to safeguard public health from infectious diseases and supports several government bodies on their vaccine pandemic preparedness needs. The company has a rich heritage in public health protection that dates back to the Spanish Influenza Pandemic of 1916, and they’ve worked with global health partners on the front line ever since.

Helping to support public health protection from respiratory infections requires preparation. As part of their pandemic preparedness activities, CSL Seqirus monitors surveillance data on viruses circulating in animal reservoirs to help support public health agencies should the need arise. As part of this work, CSL Seqirus regularly interacts with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to help build a library of candidate vaccine viruses.

Of course, none of the work of CSL Seqirus would be possible without the hard work, flexibility, and passion of its team members, who strive to deliver solutions on time, every time.

Today, CSL Seqirus operates manufacturing facilities in three different continents. In the UK, the CSL Seqirus site is located in Liverpool, with approximately 620 employees. The safety record at the Liverpool manufacturing site shows how impactful it is when people take pride in what they do and speak up to avoid accidents and look out for each other. Everyone at CSL Seqirus is driven by their promise to stand with partners in public health discovering, developing and delivering solutions to safeguard people and communities across the world.

Winning the GHP Legacy Award in Biotechnology 2023, CSL Seqirus is honoured to receive this recognition for its contribution to the field.

 

This is an article fully sponsored and written by CSL Seqirus.

 

References:

Contact Details:

Contact:  Emmanuella Dekonor

Company: CSL Seqirus

 

GBR-NOPR-23-0078

Published September 2023

Medicine doctor touching electronic medical record on tablet

Mia-Care Partners with Leading Medical IoT Innovator Medisanté to Break Down Barriers for Medical Device Adoption  

Medicine doctor touching electronic medical record on tablet

Swiss-based medical IoT specialist is the latest name to join Mia-Care’s thriving partner network.

Digital healthcare specialist, Mia-Care, has announced a new partnership with medical IoT innovator, Medisanté Group, to increase the adoption of medical IoT devices in virtual care.    

Dealing with multiple medical devices presents healthcare providers with many challenges, which can often be a barrier to their adoption. These include varied device standards, firmware complexity and disparate data, as well as security and privacy concerns. Mia-Care and Medisanté will address these challenges and streamline medical device management so that healthcare providers can rely on seamless IoT data collection from trusted devices to treat chronic and acute conditions.  

Swiss-based Medisanté provides health IT teams with a medical IoT cloud infrastructure that can connect multiple devices without the need for individual patient configuration. This specialist hub, named M+ Hub, will now be available via the Mia-Care ecosystem, a cloud-based digital healthcare platform that includes a rich marketplace of ready-to-use accelerators. These preconfigured accelerators have been designed to execute the most requested healthcare operations, such as booking appointments, doctor-patient communications and building custom forms for digital patient records.  

Combining Mia-Care’s Internal Development Platform with Medisanté’s IoT expertise will reduce the time needed to design, build and deploy new software applications to manage devices and accelerate digital healthcare transformation. Through the collaboration, near real-time monitoring, tracking and therapy observations will encompass more medical IoT devices for use at home via a modern healthcare platform.  

Marzio Ghezzi, CEO at Mia-Care, said: “Patients are increasingly getting used to connecting with their doctors remotely, so we need to provide healthcare organisations with the tools they need to fulfil the IT requirements of telemedicine. In this way, patients can benefit, in their homes, from the many excellent medical devices and applications that are coming to market to help combat our greatest healthcare challenges. We believe this collaboration will prove fundamental to the future direction of telemedicine, giving healthcare providers a single point of access to multiple devices and data sources in a safe and compliant way, and better quality of care for patients.”   
 
Gilles Lunzenfichter, CEO at Medisanté, said: “We are very proud of this partnership with Mia-Care. We are committed to helping clients experience the benefits of Medisanté Hub, the first medical IoT cloud infrastructure in virtual care. It will deliver medical IoT data as a service for a broad range of devices without compromising privacy, security or inclusions.” 

DNA

At-Home DNA Testing: Know Yourself Better in Four Steps

DNA

Dedicated to improving the health, wellness, and beauty of individuals across the world, Dynamic DNA Laboratories is a biotechnology company offering DNA testing products that analyse customers’ genetic code to provide a comprehensive insight into their health, nutrition, and fitness. For its outstanding products and services, the company is proud to have won Best Supplier of At-Home DNA Testing Kits in the GHP Global Excellence Awards 2023.

Dynamic DNA Laboratories is a state-of-the-art, fully functioning genetics, microbiology, cellular, and microscopy lab that specialises in advanced DNA testing. It was founded based on the idea that knowledge is power and that, by thoroughly exploring their genetic code, people can make small changes that will noticeably improve their lifestyle. The company strives to promote positive change by helping its customers better understand themselves, enabling them to lead healthier and happier lives.

To do this, Dynamic DNA delivers a range of services, including ancestry testing, disease predisposition reporting, proactive health panels for nutrition, fitness, and skin, cannabis DNA panels, personalised medicine reporting, paternity and relationship testing, as well as unknown sample identification. Whether customers are looking to take a personalised approach to fitness or trace their family’s past, Dynamic DNA offers affordable yet advanced genetic services, enabling them to make personal discoveries and accomplish their goals.

Those who are interested in its services are invited to browse a selection of DNA testing kits on the easy-to-use Dynamic DNA website. When a customer purchases a kit, it will arrive between three and five business days after the order is placed. Then, customers will provide a simple cheek swab, which can be collected in the comfort of their own home and sent back to the company in a pre-paid mailer. When the laboratory receives the sample, the customer’s DNA will be analysed by expert scientists. Within three to four weeks, customers will be able to access their results through Dynamic DNA’s secure online portal.

On the Dynamic DNA website, customers can also find information about its one-of-a-kind DNA portraits, which are made with electron microscopes to capture an individual’s unique genetic code. Using only a cheek swab, the company brings life to art with each piece of high-definition microscopic artwork it creates.

In addition to its customer-facing products, Dynamic DNA also provides a full range of biomedical research services for pharmaceutical testing, disease research, product testing, gene expression analysis, and more. It works with businesses to develop experimental designs that meet their needs, while continuing to engage in its own independent research projects. The team at Dynamic DNA seek to advance knowledge in biomedicine, writing about their discoveries to share their knowledge with the industry.

Importantly, Dynamic DNA is certified by CLIA and accredited by the College of American Pathologists. Its staff are highly qualified and experienced, having worked for over 40 years in research, testing, pathology, and crime laboratories. The team have had several articles published in top scientific journals and have provided expert DNA testimony in federal and international court systems. This means that they can truly be trusted to fulfil the cellular, molecular, and microbiological needs of any individual or business.

This incredible team of staff carry out their work within the Dynamic DNA CAP accredited and CLIA certified facility, following the latest regulations and meeting the highest of testing standards. Unlike its competitors, Dynamic DNA does not outsource services, instead all of its testing is completed in-house, where quality can be monitored. This enables the lab to guarantee accurate test results and faster turnaround times, while offering lower prices than others. Furthermore, as a private laboratory, Dynamic DNA does not share its customers’ DNA with any public databases or sources.

Dynamic DNA is proud of the fact that it makes complex DNA data easy to understand for its customers. Using its interactive and visual reporting system, where information is securely stored, the company translates customers’ results into plain English, providing clear explanations and recommendations for action moving forward.

Considering the affordable yet high-quality nature of its services, it’s simply no surprise that Dynamic DNA has been awarded Best Supplier of At-Home DNA Testing Kits in the GHP Global Excellence Awards 2023.

“I couldn’t be happier with the team we’ve created and what we’ve achieved in our first 8 years,” comments Austin O’Reilly, CEO and Scientist at the company. “At Dynamic DNA, we support innovation and accept new challenges, which allows our team to develop new tests and opportunities that support our goals as a company.”

Moving on from its success in the Global Excellence Awards, Dynamic DNA plans to leverage the power of DNA microarrays to push the boundaries of clinical and direct-to-consumer genetic testing in the coming years. It aims to offer larger datasets than its competitors and make mass data accessible to everyone, without the need for expensive large-scale sequencing.

Furthermore, the company is excited by the development of polygenetic risk score (PRS) analysis, which can inform patients of their genetic risk of developing some of the most common diseases in the world, early enough for preventative action to be taken. Dynamic DNA is an early adopter of this technology, which utilises a cost-effective form of DNA analysis, making it feasible for any budget. PRS has the potential to put clinical genetic testing into the hands of physicians and patients across the country.

We congratulate Dynamic DNA Laboratories on winning Best Supplier of At-Home DNA Testing Kits, and we look forward to seeing how these fascinating developments unfold in the years to come.

For further information, please visit dynamicdnalabs.com

Prioritizing Patient Safety: Sterilizer Monitoring Services in Sacramento Hospitals

The utmost priority of hospitals in Sacramento is to ensure patient safety. To maintain the highest standards of healthcare, it is crucial to address challenges and embrace the latest trends in patient safety practices. One key aspect is the adoption of sterilizer monitoring services in hospitals. Read the blog post to explore the importance of sterilizer monitoring services and their role in enhancing patient safety within healthcare sector.

The Importance of Sterilizer Monitoring Services

Monitoring services for sterilizers play a vital role in the healthcare industry, actively working to avoid healthcare-related infections (HAIs) and placing a high importance on patient welfare. These services encompass a wide range of activities aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of sterilization processes, equipment maintenance, and staff training. By leveraging the knowledge and skills of sterilizer monitoring services, hospitals and healthcare facilities can establish strong protocols that reduce the likelihood of HAIs, thus creating a safe and protected setting for patients. One primary function of sterilizer monitoring services is meticulous monitoring of sterilization processes. This includes conducting routine inspections on autoclaves, sterilizers, and other sterilization equipment to ensure that they are functioning properly and performing effectively, keeping your healthcare facility clean. By closely monitoring these processes, any potential issues or deviations can be promptly identified and corrected, guaranteeing consistent and reliable sterilization of medical instruments and equipment. This level of scrutiny is crucial in preventing the transmission of harmful microorganisms and reducing the occurrence of HAIs.

Improved Efficiency and Accuracy

The incorporation of state-of-the-art technology in sterilizer monitoring services has brought about a significant transformation in patient safety protocols within hospitals. Real-time monitoring systems, equipped with sensors and automation, have the capability to accurately oversee essential elements such as temperature, pressure, and sterilization cycles. Any deviations or malfunctions are swiftly identified, allowing for prompt corrective measures. This enhanced efficiency and accuracy in monitoring help mitigate the potential hazards linked to insufficient sterilization.

Meeting Regulatory Standards

Sacramento hospitals acknowledge the significance of complying with regulatory standards to maintain patient safety. Government agencies and accrediting entities have set stringent standards for sterilization practices and monitoring protocols. By adopting sterilizer monitoring services in Sacramento, hospitals can guarantee adherence to these guidelines. Regular inspections and strict compliance not only improve patient safety but also foster trust and confidence among patients and the community.

Ongoing Employee Education and Training

A well-trained and knowledgeable healthcare workforce is crucial for maintaining and enhancing patient safety within hospitals. In the busy healthcare environment, hospitals understand the critical importance of investing in regular education and training programs for their healthcare personnel. These training programs aim to offer comprehensive guidance on sterilization techniques, infection prevention protocols, and the correct usage of monitoring equipment. By placing a strong emphasis on ongoing staff training, hospitals in Sacramento equip their healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge and skills needed to ensure successful sterilization practices, consequently reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

The education and training initiatives implemented in Sacramento hospitals are diverse and cover various areas related to sterilization and infection control. Healthcare professionals receive comprehensive instruction on different sterilization techniques used in healthcare settings, such as steam sterilization, ethylene oxide sterilization, and hydrogen peroxide sterilization. Healthcare providers receive training on the correct methods of handling, loading, and packaging medical instruments and equipment to achieve the best sterilization results. By comprehending the complexities of each sterilization technique and following established protocols, healthcare professionals can actively contribute to preventing HAIs and ensuring the safety of patients.

Continuous Improvement through Data Analytics

Data analytics plays a vital role in pinpointing areas where patient safety can be enhanced.

Sacramento hospitals can leverage data from sterilizer monitoring services to analyze trends, identify potential risks, and implement proactive measures. By utilizing data-driven insights, hospitals can continuously enhance their sterilization processes, streamline workflows, and reduce errors. This proactive strategy helps create a more secure healthcare environment for patients.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implementation of sterilizer monitoring services has emerged as a crucial component of patient safety practices in Sacramento hospitals. By giving utmost importance to these services, healthcare facilities in Sacramento can greatly decrease the chances of healthcare-associated infections and improve the overall well-being of patients. Through the utilization of advanced technology, adherence to regulatory standards, continuous training of staff, and implementing data-driven enhancements, hospitals in Sacramento exhibit their unwavering dedication to creating a safe and secure healthcare environment for every individual. By embracing sterilizer monitoring services, hospitals can effectively address the challenges and embrace the latest trends in patient safety practices, ultimately ensuring the highest standards of healthcare and promoting the well-being of their patients.

Creasellis

Game-Changing Antibody Solutions

Creasellis

Founded in 2021, Creasallis is an innovative, creative, antibody solutions company. It has introduced the patented tumour antibody penetration technology CreaTap with plug-and-play capabilities. We are thrilled to be able to take look at what the company is up to, following its award as Best Antibody Solutions Company 2023 – Cambridgeshire.

Creasallis is the creative antibody solutions company, with a debut technology known as CreaTap. This is a single plug-and-play solution to help improve the penetration of antibodies into the tumour microenvironment. The company consists of a team of antibody engineers who have been developing antibody-based therapies for the last 17 years. Its ambition is to create truly innovative medicines, but within the pharmaceuticals/biotech sphere innovation can be somewhat limited. Creasallis is the result of this need to create innovative solutions within biotech, but also to dictate a culture of teamwork and accountability. At Creasallis every employee shows up as a leader every day.

Creasallis started life as an idea without any data. Its founding members came from an industry where there was no easy way to create a company inclusive of protecting the IP. For this reason, it had to raise a pre-seed round based only on an idea – but this is what happened. It successfully raised a $1 million VC-backed round, all because it had a solution that was simple and easy to understand. Having a team with experience and know-how when it came to delivering drug molecules was certainly a helpful advantage, and meant that Cresallis really stood out in the industry.

“The CreaTap technology is a modification of an antibody to enable it to enter the tumour micro environment and penetrate the tumour deeper.  We have adapted the technology so it can be applied to any antibody isotype, making it a single plug and play technology.”

Cresallis’s CEO and leader Zahra Jawad takes a servant leadership approach, as she has done throughout her career. Her ability to create an inclusive team is an excellent way to ensure that everyone feels ownership, and is part of the success of the company. Responsibility and accountability are owned by individuals, but any errors or mistakes are not tainted. Rather, these occurrences are seen as a chance to grow personally, and also to investigate and understand whether the fault lies within the system itself. Everyone has each other’s backs at Creasallis, with no one team made to feel superior/inferior in comparison to others.

Creasallis’s USP is the innovative way it addresses the bottleneck of antibody drug penetrability through a solution that is applicable to all antibody-based therapeutics. This includes monoclonal antibodies, bispecifics, antibody drug conjugates, and any other antibody fragment type technology or platform. As the team is experienced in knowing how to develop antibody-based technologies, it is able to rapidly develop its CreaTap antibodies giving superior tumour penetration.

Creasallis has future plans to deploy a hybrid-based approach to developing its own internal pipeline of oncology drugs with enhanced tumour penetration. It hopes to collaborate with key strategic partners to seek In vivo and clinical efficacy. It has a 5-year plan to develop an antibody development pipeline around the technology to enable it to rapidly develop oncology-based drugs. All in all, absolutely outstanding stuff!

For further information, please visit www.creasallis.com