Dr Rishi Das-Gupta
Chief Executive, Health Innovation Network
Accelerating the adoption of technology in health and care during the pandemic has exposed challenges and opportunities for patients and clinicians.
From the introduction of machinery which heralded the Industrial Revolution to the many promises held by artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century, new technology has always been greeted with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.
Fair access to tech for all
The pandemic demonstrated the importance of advances in health technology. Almost overnight, services were switched from in-person support to video calls and apps. While this provided great support, it also exposed gaps and raised important questions. Can everyone afford to access the technology? Do they have the confidence to use it? Where algorithms are used, are we inadvertently building in systemic bias?
Patients and carers working together
As CEO for the Health Innovation Network in London and as Digital and AI lead for the wider AHSN Network (established in 2013 by NHS England to help spread innovation at pace and scale) I have seen demand for health tech support soar.
In the next 12 months, we aim to speed up the spread and adoption of care technology creating a future where everyone benefits from the best in health and care.
However, as we begin the work of recovery after the worst of the pandemic, we must use our learnings around technology responsibly. As a network, we will be concentrating on technologies which support patients to manage their own conditions and on clinicians delivering care remotely.
Development of technology in care
We also see many opportunities in technology and AI to reduce the time taken to carry out administration activities and to make sure the right things happen at the right time.
In the next 12 months, we aim to speed up the spread and adoption of care technology creating a future where everyone benefits from the best in health and care.
For more information, visit ahsnnetwork.com