Is the NHS wasting money, WHO says AI risks must be managed, just what is AI 'induced belief revision' and more.

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• Up to three out of four Londoners using digital tools to interact with GPs - A report from the Health Innovation Network and NHS England reveals that up to 75% of Londoners are using digital tools like the NHS App and GP websites for primary care services. Over 3,000 patients contributed to this report, highlighting the benefits of digital tools in managing healthcare independently. However, challenges in accessibility and availability persist, with some unable to book GP appointments online or access full medical records via the NHS App. The report emphasises the need to address digital exclusion and improve communication about available digital tools in primary care.
• Study: AI Surveillance Tool Successfully Helps to Predict Sepsis, Saves Lives - Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed an AI algorithm, COMPOSER, which monitors patient variables to predict sepsis before symptoms appear. Deployed in emergency departments, it has reduced mortality by 17%. The AI model continuously monitors over 150 patient variables, including vital signs and lab results. Once high-risk patients are identified, the nursing staff is alerted for timely intervention. This study, the first to report improved patient outcomes using an AI deep-learning model, signifies a major advancement in predictive healthcare.
• NHS money-wasting a ‘cultural problem’, Labour says - The Labour Party has criticised the NHS for its 'cultural problem' of wasting money, as it launches a 'war on waste'. Shadow health minister Karin Smyth highlighted inefficiencies like late appointment letters and repeated tests. Labour claims billions are wasted in recruitment, delayed discharges, and consultancy fees. The party proposes reforms focusing on illness prevention, healthcare access, and technology upgrades, aiming for a partnership between business and government. Labour's plan includes reducing GP red tape, ending reliance on management consultants, and using high street opticians for routine NHS checks.
• WHO says AI risks in global health 'must be accounted for' - The World Health Organization highlights the urgent need for awareness about the risks of AI in healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Large multi-modal models (LMMs), a type of generative AI, could revolutionize global health outcomes, improving diagnostics and treatments. However, the WHO cautions against potential risks and emphasizes the need for responsible AI use, ethical standards, and transparent policies.
• Frost Radar report affirms healthcare providers can benefit from generative AI and clinical decision support innovation - Wolters Kluwer has been recognized by Frost & Sullivan for its excellence in clinical decision support systems (CDSS). The Frost Radar report highlights the importance of generative AI in enhancing healthcare decision-making. Wolters Kluwer's implementation of AI, addressing security and privacy concerns, and its collaborative AI Labs for testing early use cases, positions it as a leader in innovative and practical CDSS solutions.
• Exposure to AI models may improve clinical efficiency and care - A study at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) reveals that exposure to AI models can enhance clinicians' efficiency. A nurse practitioner, through repeated use of an AI model for analyzing kidney ultrasounds, improved her diagnostic skills, reducing the need for invasive scans. This phenomenon, termed 'induced belief revision', suggests that AI can augment clinical intuition and decision-making, potentially improving patient care outcomes. However, it also raises concerns about the influence of AI on clinical judgment.

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Kevin McDonnell, the founder and CEO of Datalla and author of "The Future Health' is an advisor, coach and consultant who helps HealthTech, MedTech, and Digital Health CEOs, Founders, and Entrepreneurs unlock potential, grow faster, and scale themselves and their companies.

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