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Posted: 21 august 2020

Mental health platform Myndr receives £300k backing

UK mental health and wellness platform Myndr has laid down its plans for UK growth and expansion having received a £300,000 backing from the government’s Innovate UK programme. Based in Newcastle Upon Tyne and set up by North East Young Entrepreneur of the year Lizzy Hodcroft and entrepreneur Emma Reilly, founder of The Brave & The Bold clothing line, Myndr is an innovative digital learning and support platform that helps company leaders and its employees help battle common mental health issues via peer-to-peer support. Myndr aims to create an anonymous platform that allows those suffering from common mental health issues to seek help from others who have experienced similar problems. Emma and Lizzy have experienced mental health issues first-hand and have spoken openly about their struggles with depression, anxiety and addiction, as well as their frustrations with the lack of options for mental health care. Co-founder Lizzy Hodcroft, said: “We’re incredibly honoured and proud to have received this grant. Most of the funds will be used towards further development and content for the app as we have high expectations to deliver a platform that is contextually smart as well as impactful with practical, actionable steps and content. “We have already recruited new members of staff that will help us drive the service forward are they’re helping with the agile dev to get data into the system fast.” Co-founder Emma Reilly added: “Apart from the obvious benefit to our users in terms of support and action plans for their mental health, we are also very proud that we can offer a helping hand to many that have found themselves without a job or income during this time. “Because of the Innovate Grant and its timing, we have been able to reach out to professionals, freelancers, doctors, peers and so many others to help to provide Myndr with courses, content and suggestions and in turn pay these amazing individuals for their service. Although we aren’t able to completely solve any financial issues for people, we are very proud that we can support in some way.” Cllr Ged Bell, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for employment and culture, added: “One in four people in the UK will suffer some form of mental health problem each year, and the cost to that individual, their family and wider society can be colossal. “Particularly at this most difficult of times it is great to see a Newcastle business securing investment, supporting jobs and looking to lead the way in tackling one of our greatest public health challenges.” Innovate UK is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid from the UK government. Since 2007, it has invested around £2.5 billion to help businesses across the country to innovate, with match funding from industry taking the total value of projects above £4.3 billion. It has also helped 8,500 organisations create around 70,000 jobs and added an estimated £18 billion of value to the UK economy.

Geography Is No Longer A Barrier To Safe Surgical Care

The Flexner report, a series of studies about education in healthcare, published just over 100 years ago sparked radical reforms in the education of healthcare professionals. The result was the creation of a curriculum that equipped healthcare professionals with a knowledge base that contributed to the doubling of lifespan during the 20th century. Recently the Lancet report on "Global Surgery" has highlighted that all is not well in global surgery, this may well be a stimulus for reform of the current surgical training and delivery model. The Lancet commission finds that whilst there are just over seven billion people on earth, five billion do not have access to safe surgery. These inequalities exist both within and between countries, a reminder that geography remains a strong determinant of patient outcomes. The global situation is impacted doubly by an aging population that is driving demand; as well as, a reduced workforce supply with a dwindling talent pool of surgeons. The latest figures argue the global surgical workforce will need to double in the next 15 years to cope with current demands. The global impact is such that both the World Health Organisation and World Bank said in 2014 that identifying and improving surgical capabilities is an essential step to raising health and economic standards around the world. In a world that has never been so well connected, where a "tweet" can behave like a virus, quickly becoming epidemic, and where technology has enabled video conversations across multiple time zones, why have we been unable to improve the standard of surgical training and delivery globally? Geography Is No Longer A Barrier To Safe Surgical (Credit: Touch Surgery) To begin with, surgery operates in silos. Surgeons around the world don't have access to equal levels of training, nor the opportunity to learn the latest and most effective surgical techniques. Such a learning gap, largely based around geography, impacts patients, but also starves the global healthcare community of many more people who could help, if they had the opportunity. Furthermore, utilising technologies that enable repetitive flexible learning opportunities with objective feedback, could significantly reduce the learning curve and therefore the time to achieve proficiency. As a result the supply of a proficient surgical workforce required to meet the demand of the aging population could be significantly improved. Investment in global health professional education is about US$100 billion per year, again with great disparities between countries. This amount is less than 2% of health expenditure worldwide ($5.5 trillion) which is modest for a labour-intensive and talent-driven industry. The average cost per graduate is $113,000 for medical students and $46,000 for nurses. Stewardship, accreditation, and learning systems are weak and unevenly practiced around the world. Although a considerable additional investment is required by state, private and public enterprises in training surgical professionals, that investment over the long term can be offset through the use of scalable technology systems which reduce inefficiencies and wastage. It's not all bad news. There are some really impressive efforts at addressing global healthcare. Syrian doctors are performing life-saving operations with Skype; and surgeon John Langell developed the Xenoscope to bring minimally invasive surgery to regions of the world that can't afford it. Each is a fantastic example of our greatest minds solving big problems. But, how can we go even further? For Touch Surgery co-founder Andre Chow and I, the global proliferation of mobile phones - and, indeed, the internet - presented an opportunity for progress. We think that by integrating cutting-edge surgical mapping and visualization with game development, VR/AR, we can take deep procedural knowledge and create ground-breaking simulations, allowing surgeons to practice complex surgical procedures before stepping into the operating room - wherever in the world that OR may be. Now, access to support and training is in the palm of our hands. What's more, the modules on Touch Surgery, created in partnership with universities like Harvard and John Hopkins, are being used by resident surgeons the world over, in countries like Russia and Spain, and even as far afield as Cambodia. We're seeing incredibly promising results, and so we'll continue to push forward. What all of these efforts demonstrate - those by Touch Surgery, and doctors the world over - is the power of technology to help us break down the geographical barriers to raising the standard of surgery everywhere. Surgery at its core is about people and the unique encounter between a patient who needs help and a surgical team entrusted to deliver care. The driving force for professional education must therefore be to augment the performance of the surgical team and their tools/ medical devices to meet the needs of patients and populations in an equitable and efficient manner. There is not going to be a technology silver bullet or just one solution. Supporting training of surgical teams with technology to drive better performance is just a start. We can only hope to have the same effect on lifespan / patient outcomes as the curriculum changes associated with the Flexner report. We don't yet have all the answers, but by combining intelligence and expertise from the business, engineering and medical worlds, there's hope in truly innovative solutions to the world's biggest health problems. References http://www.physiciannursesupply.com/Articles/physician-workforce-study-2007.pdf

How Health Tech Could Solve The Sexual Health Crisis

Sexual health is in crisis. Last week saw record demand for sexual health services in the UK, amid funding cuts. We are seeing a rise in new super-bugs STI’s, like drug-resistant gonorrhoea, along with the return of old diseases like syphilis, with the largest number of diagnoses since 1949. While the headlines are bleak, we have a real opportunity to disrupt the way we treat this problem in the 21st century. And health tech is undoubtedly the cure, not just for patients, but for the NHS. Despite the high demand for sexual health services, a report from Public Health England shows that between 2016 and 2017 there was an 8% decline in the number of chlamydia tests. In addition, at a patient level, the current way sexual healthcare is provided can feel inconvenient, confusing, or even daunting: many do not want to wait weeks for an appointment, do not have time to wait in the waiting room, and feel scared at the prospect of face-to-face conversations about their sex life with a doctor. People fear the experience will be uncomfortable and embarrassing. As a doctor, I would say there is no need for this fear, of course. I would never judge a patient and, like me, most doctors have “seen it all”. However, we have to take the stigma people feel around sexual health really seriously. This fear is paralysing and dangerous. Suffering in silence can cause long-term damage for people. An easily treatable infection like chlamydia, when undiagnosed and untreated, can cause long-term problems with fertility, and can spread throughout the population. It means that men experiencing erectile dysfunction delay going to the doctor, facing untold anxiety and putting them at risk of the effects of underlying health conditions going undetected. In many case, erectile dysfunction is also a symptom of problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, all of which have serious long term health consequences. Health-tech presents a huge opportunity to radically improve access to sexual health conditions. For example, we know that about 70-80% men with erectile dysfunction delay seeking help, but when they do want information, they go online. To the tech native GenZ – often the target of sexual health campaigns – online is their natural entry point for most services. It is the obvious pathway to improve the way that sexual healthcare is reached and accessed. Being able to access compassionate, caring, advice and treatment from a doctor, at a time that suits you, from your computer or smartphone, with tests and medication couriered to your door, removes the barriers to healthcare that most patients experience. It is not only more convenient, but removes that nagging fear of judgement. For people living far away from a sexual health clinic, this makes all the difference between the chance to be treated, or leaving symptoms unchecked. Far from being impersonal, I find patients share more detailed information about their symptoms and concerns, when I talk to them online or on the phone. They are also far more likely to be honest about their sexual behaviour. They feel comfortable to open up, and the richness of information that I can gather is like nothing I experience when practising medicine face to face. Of course, this helps me to treat the patient much more thoroughly, effectively, and even more compassionately, as I can reassure them about the worries and concerns they could never bring themselves to tell another doctor. In my own online GP practice we have performed over two million consultations, and are able treat at least double the number of patients each day than our colleagues in GP surgeries can. The benefits for the NHS to embrace digital health is massive, from a cost and efficiency perspective. The tech focused Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock has pledged £400 million in tech transformation for the NHS. He would be wise to invest in re-inventing the way that we deal with sexual health in the UK through digital. It really is the best medicine for the current crisis.

Liva Healthcare's Chief Commercial Officer, Jonas Hjortshøj, has been featured in Pharma Times latest 'smart people' feature discussing his role at Liva Healthcare

Liva has tremendous potential to revolutionise the healthcare industry. Liva also has an impressive team of senior healthcare leaders. Over the past 10 years Jonas held a number of commercial and finance roles in Novo Nordisk, building a deep understanding of patient and…

Mediaplanet are launching the Digital Health campaign

Mediaplanet are launching the Digital Health campaign which will be distributed with the Guardian newspaper and online at Businessandindustry.co.uk. The campaign will explore the potential digital technology has to improve healthcare with editorial insights from ABHI, techUK, the World Economic…

Are you excited about the new #podcast coming 25th August 2020?

Today we’re happy to announce the official launch date. ♦♦♦ GIANT Thinking ♦♦♦ Tuesday, 25th August 2020 Make a note in your calendar and stay tuned for more information.

Healthtech firm receives Innovate UK backing for diabetes research

ealthtech company Cognitant Group has won a grant from Innovate UK to conduct a diabetes research programme in Colombia, as part of the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). The aim of this project, in partnership with Oxford Brookes University and the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogota, Colombia, is to improve the self-management of health among people with diabetes in Colombia by delivering avatar-based educational experiences. This project was developed to address the growing number of adults with diabetes in Colombia, estimated at nearly 3 million in 2017 by the International Diabetes Federation. The health costs of diabetes in Colombia now exceed $2 billion a year. Research indicates that many of the long-term complications associated with diabetes are preventable by optimising glycaemic control. This project will therefore run a feasibility study to evaluate the potential of an avatar-based educational programme to improve patients’ awareness of their health, including understanding of their condition, the effects of treatment, and strategies for effective management. Dr Tim Ringrose, CEO of Cognitant Group, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Oxford Brookes University and the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Bogota, Colombia on such an important project. The growth in prevalence of diabetes with its significant impact on health outcomes and healthcare costs is a huge concern. We are keen to see whether immersive educational experiences can help to tackle this issue in Colombia and to explore how this could be extended to other regions.” It is hoped that, by offering clear and engaging clinical information, the project will see a positive impact on patients’ self-management and, consequently, their health outcomes. Dr Clare Martin, co-investigator from Oxford Brookes University, added: “We are delighted to be working with Cognitant Group on this exciting new project. It is also an excellent opportunity to continue our diabetes technology research collaboration with the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio.”

A new podcast - GIANT Thinking

GIANT Health is launching a new podcast GIANT Thinking Our vision is to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. By supporting #innovation in #healthcare and promoting #healthtech entrepreneurs. We are a mission driven organisation whose goal…

Smartphone-based care home training given Innovate UK backing

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, care home residents and those receiving community-based care are recognised to be at great risk from the virus. Although highly experienced in general care of frail patients, care home staff are under tremendous pressure to keep up-to-date with new medical and government guidelines as they learn to safely manage patients. Technology and business innovation has a key role to play in supporting care staff in managing these difficult circumstances. Cognitant will be developing and delivering training for all care staff to access via smartphones. The programme will be shared amongst care staff by care organisations and by staff themselves using peer-to-peer networks and social media. It also includes a self-assessment component and a certificate of completion to ensure quality training. This new innovative approach will support and train care workers with minimal disruption to their time and work duties. The smartphone-based approach makes the content accessible and creates a mechanism to provide updates to care staff as policy and procedures adjust over time. As part of the development of the training programme, Cognitant is conducting a survey of care workers to ensure that the training addresses the areas of greatest need. Cognitant will also be delivering the support and training for care workers to assist them in acquiring essential new skills. This includes: Support care home staff as they care for patients affected by COVID-19 in care homes and in the community. Up-skill care home staff to be able to carry out clinical observations for the monitoring of patients (inc. blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, as recommended by the British Geriatric Society). Ensure that care staff are equipped to be able to liaise effectively with remote clinical teams (GPs and 111) Improve the confidence of care staff in managing patients Reduce anxiety of patients, their relatives and staff Cognitant’s chief executive Dr Tim Ringrose said: “The pandemic has put enormous strain on care home staff, who are caring for the most vulnerable members of our society. This programme aims to ensure that each member of staff has easy access to trustworthy information and training. We will be working closely with the network of care homes to support care home staff in their vital role looking after our loved ones”.

Have you downloaded Vinehealth app?

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GIANT Thinking

Something new is coming from GIANT.. We’re excited to announce the official launch of GIANT Thinking, a new podcast that tells the stories about world-class experts from #healthcare, #Industry and #technology. Stay tuned on our social media channels in the…

Healthtech Acquisition Worth $16 Million Signals Shift In Clinician-Patient Communication

In June 2020, Induction Healthcare, the group behind the Induction and MicroGuide apps acquired fellow healthtech company Zesty, which enables integration between a hospital’s electronic patient record (EPR) and patient administration system (PAS) in a deal worth £12.7 million ($16M). Induction, used by over 119,000 clinicians in the U.K., boosts clinicians' productivity, enhances communication and has seen an almost 500% increase in usage during the Covid-19 crisis. On the other side, Zesty empowers patients to manage their hospital outpatient appointments, read their administrative and clinical correspondence, attend a video based consultation and store a personal copy of their records. Bringing together Zesty and Induction Healthcare’s technologies, the group will now be one of the first technology platforms to connect patients, clinicians and healthcare information across both multiple hospital sites and EPR platforms, which could represent a significant paradigm shift in clinician-to-patient communication. Dr Hugo Stephenson, CEO of Induction, said: “Zesty has solved the problem of integrating with different electronic patient record systems. Connecting the most used app by NHS doctors (Induction) and the most used app by NHS trusts (MicroGuide) with patients and their health records, has the potential to deliver the right resources to the right places at the right time - a transformational opportunity for healthcare.” James Balmain, CEO of Zesty, said: “I see the frustration that clinical teams and patients feel every day. Basic things, like updating a patient record or booking an appointment - are just not easy enough. So an app for doctors, connected to an app for patients makes total sense. Induction and Zesty coming together can help improve the way healthcare is delivered.” A better way to communicate? Communication between clinicians, patients and administrators has been a longstanding challenge, and many healthtech companies are trying to modernise existing, inefficient systems of letters, written notes and bleeps (pagers). Speaking to Balmain, he was keen to emphasise the potential of the new collaborative approach when it comes to clinician-to-patient communication: “We want to form a single communication channel right through from patient to clinician and administration, which provides a huge opportunity for speeding up so much of healthcare, making it more efficient, dropping the costs and making healthcare more sustainable.” Balmain went on to talk about his vision of asynchronous communication between patients and clinicians: instead of patients having designated time with clinicians and the amount of ‘healthcare’ being fixed by time (synchronous), a flexible communication channel could now be opened from the clinician to the patient, via an EPR, so communication could be ad-hoc and documented in their notes, i.e. asynchronous. In practical terms, it’s the difference between giving each of your friends 30 minutes per day to speak to you in person versus replying to them as and when, remotely on Whatsapp. Balmain sees the latter being used in healthcare to increase efficiency. And in the context of Covid-19, where backlogs mean healthcare providers are encouraged to look for ways to increase efficiency, one might expect new healthcare systems that include asynchronous communication to be favourable. Usurping the usual barriers It will be interesting to watch the next move from Induction Healthcare Group following this acquisition. Their Induction app securely shares useful information for clinicians and their MicroGuide app is a platform for clinician guidelines, supporting the likes of Barts Health NHS Trust in the Nightingale London project with antimicrobial and COVID-19 content. Seemingly very simple functionality in both cases. But their utility means Induction is the pocket of most clinicians in the U.K. and Microguide is used across approximately 75% of NHS trusts. Any app now bolted onto Induction Healthcare Group’s platform is a thumb’s width away from being used by 119,000 clinicians and/or 75% of NHS Trusts. In a sector where adoption of technology is what most-often claims companies in the so-called ‘valley of death’ between initial funding and product-market fit, this access to clinicians and NHS Trusts could prove very valuable.

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