#13. W/c 25th November '24

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In this week's newsletter, The BMJ announces it will pay patient and public reviewers, and experts emphasise human connection's crucial role in digital transformation. The NHS life sciences partnership aims to enhance care and how FDP boosts patient care.

The BMJ will remunerate patient and public reviewers

The BMJ will begin remunerating patient and public reviewers with ￡50 or a 12-month subscription to one of its journals starting January 2025. This initiative aims to incorporate and reward the invaluable perspectives of patients and the public on healthcare articles.

Established in 2014, the review process includes assessing the relevance of research from a lived experience standpoint and has resulted in over 2600 reviews. The BMJ seeks to diversify its pool of reviewers, currently predominately female and based mainly in the UK and the US, to include a broader array of lived experiences across geographical and ethnic lines.

In 2023, a vast majority of research and clinical articles sent for peer review involved patient and public reviewers. Even though the remuneration doesn't extend to clinical or methodological peer reviewers whose tasks align with their professional roles, the policy remains under review.

Read more: https://www.bmj.com/content/387/bmj.q2581

Why human connection is key to digital transformation in healthcare

In his article, Ronan Glynn highlights the necessity of preserving human connections in the digital transformation of healthcare. The relentless pace of digital innovation in healthcare threatens to overshadow the human connections that form the heart of medical practice. A recent workshop, co-hosted by EY and Trinity College, reminded us that amidst our pursuit of technological excellence, the need to 'humanise' healthcare is more crucial than ever. As we integrate AI and electronic health records, we must ensure these tools enhance, not replace, the empathy and care central to the clinician-patient relationship.

The six factors outlined in Ronan's article are:

1. Leadership: Evolving leadership skills to foster an environment conducive to digital innovation.

2. Inspiration: Crafting a compelling vision to align stakeholders.

3. Care: Promoting a culture of diverse opinions and open dialogue.

4. Empowerment: Delegating authority and encouraging innovation.

5. Building skills: Using technology for quick impactful changes and enhancing digital skills.

6. Collaboration: Fostering a culture of creativity and co-creation.

Read more: https://www.ey.com/en_ie/insights/consulting/why-human-connection-is-key-to-digital-transformation-in-healthcare

NHS and life sciences collaboration to improve care

A report from The King's Fund highlights the growing interest in partnerships between the NHS and the UK life sciences industry. It suggests that integrating the strengths of the life sciences sector with the NHS could enhance health outcomes and economic prosperity. By examining four collaborative projects involving NHS organisations and pharmaceutical companies, the report explores the dynamics and impacts of these partnerships. The projects span diverse health areas, such as diabetes management, hepatitis C eradication, asthma care, and skin cancer pathways, involving major pharmaceutical partners like Boehringer Ingelheim and AstraZeneca.

The report argues for broader adoption of these partnerships, supported by strong national leadership and strategic frameworks to foster effective collaboration. It concludes that while such partnerships are not a solution for all NHS challenges, they offer valuable opportunities to drive care quality improvements if designed and implemented carefully, with patient and public benefits as the primary focus.

Read more: https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/reports/nhs-life-sciences-industry-partnership-collaborating-improve-care?utm_term=thekingsfund&utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=social

Trusts using FDP treat 114 more patients a month on average

According to NHS England data, hospital trusts using the Federated Data Platform (FDP) have treated an average of 114 more inpatients monthly in theatres since adopting the tool. The FDP consolidates data from various systems, facilitating quicker access for staff and improving care delivery across England. As of the latest report, 87 NHS acute hospital trusts and 28 integrated care boards (ICBs) have enlisted in the FDP, an increase from previous numbers.

The FDP's implementation has resulted in significant improvements, with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust noting a 37% reduction in hospital days for patients ready for discharge.

NHSE has mandated that trusts begin employing the FDP and its analytics by 2026, a shift from their initial directive. While the platform has shown potential benefits, transparency and legal advocates have raised concerns over its procurement and ethical implications.

Read more: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2024/11/trusts-using-fdp-treat-114-more-patients-a-month-on-average/

Irish election: How would parties spend the Apple tax windfall?

Ireland's general election is centred around how political parties plan to utilise a significant windfall from Apple’s back taxes, as mandated by a ruling from the EU’s highest court. Apple is compelled to pay over €14 billion due to a previously illegal tax agreement in Ireland. This financial boost has become a focal point for parties outlining improvements in the nation’s infrastructure, particularly in housing, public transport, and energy systems.

Interestingly, healthcare doesn’t feature among the talking points.

Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq6l1yjqn22o