Connect with us

Pharmaceuticals

Singapore tests out ‘smart bandage’ for remote recovery

Source: Reuters

SINGAPORE, Dec 1 (Reuters) – Researchers in Singapore have developed a smart bandage to enable patients to have chronic wounds monitored remotely via an an app on a mobile device, potentially saving them visits to the doctor.

A research team at the National University of Singapore has created a wearable sensor attached to a transparent bandage to track progress in healing, using information like temperature, bacteria type, and levels of pH and inflammation.

“Traditionally when someone has a wound or ulcer, if it’s infected, the only way to examine it is through looking at the wound itself, through visual inspection,” said Chwee Teck Lim, lead researcher at the university’s department of biomedical engineering.

“If the clinician wants to have further information then they will obtain the wound fluid and send to the lab for further testing,” he said.

“So what we’re trying to do is use our smart bandage to cut the number of hours or days to just a few minutes.”

The “VeCare” technology will enable patients to convalesce more at home and visit a doctor only if necessary.

The bandage is being tested on patients with chronic venous ulcers, or leg ulcers caused by circulation problems in veins.

Data collection by researchers on the wounds has so far been effective, according to Lim, who said the smart bandage could potentially be used for other wounds, like diabetic foot ulcers.

Reporting by Ying Shan Lee; Writing by Masako Iijima; Editing by Martin Petty, William Maclean

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pharmaceuticals

Strong IP protection is vital to healthcare’s AI-encompassing future

Head of Innovation at InnoScot Health, Robert Rea analyses the challenges and opportunities of integrating artificial intelligence into the NHS

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers huge possibilities for healthcare improvement, and many are already being realised – but it also presents complexities for innovators looking to protect their ideas.

We’ve seen NHS Scotland and its triple helix partners across industry and academia increasingly leveraging AI with the aim of continuously improving patient care while streamlining operations for smarter, more efficient working practices.

Projects already underway include  the use of AI to help detect lung cancer, assess mammograms and skin lesions, and be used to predict or monitor health conditions, to name just a few examples.

Such applications hold the potential to nothing less than revolutionise diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients.

Thanks to a bank of high-quality data-led insights and forward-thinking, innovation-ready staff, NHS Scotland and its partners are well-placed to take a lead on taking advantage of the benefits of AI transformation.

Those benefits should absolutely be explored fully for improved patient outcomes and predictive potentialities. However, in applying the vast possibilities of AI to Scotland’s healthcare system, we also must be cognisant of broader implications; and the recent legal debate over whether AI can be named as an inventor has generated much interest.

It is an area we at InnoScot Health have been closely following – ensuring protection of the intellectual property (IP) inherent in new ideas that involve AI can be complex, particularly depending on how much of the idea sprang from the AI itself.

Patents are used to protect novel aspects of inventions, stopping others from duplicating them – that much is clear cut – but in December, the UK Supreme Court made headlines when it upheld earlier decisions which rejected a bid to allow AI to be named as an inventor in a patent application.

In 2019, US technologist Dr Stephen Thaler had sought to have his AI recognised as the inventor of a food container and a flashing light beacon after claiming the software was sentient and conscious, but the intellectual property office (IPO) rejected this, saying only a person could be named as an inventor.

The decision was backed by both the High Court and Court of Appeal after they supported the view that only ‘persons’ could hold patent rights.

Dr Thaler was not deterred though, and in December, five Supreme Court judges dismissed a bid to reverse those decisions, concluding similarly that “an inventor must be a person” and that AI could not secure patent rights.

One of the judges Lord Kitchin, said the AI was “a machine with no legal personality” and that Dr Thaler had “no independent right to obtain a patent in respect of any such technical advance”.

The judgement, commentators noted nevertheless, did not specifically deal with the issue of whether the AI did in fact invent the food container and light.

While the IPO welcomed the judgement and the clarification it offered – labelling the dispute a “test case, rather than one which is motivated by any pressing need in the real world” – it added interestingly that the government will “keep this area of law under review to ensure that the UK patent system supports AI innovation and the use of AI in the UK”.

So, would the outcome have been different if the AI had come up with the invention, but Dr Thaler had been identified as the inventor and owner of the patent? That remains unclear, though what is certainly clear is that a lot of organisations would find themselves in a predicament going forward if they were not able to own the patent from AI software-led inventions.

It serves to underline the complexities that now stem from AI use and how its growing prominence and advancement could force law changes in future.

Patents are not the only area of intellectual property protection that are being tested by AI – copyright too is being reassessed in light of fresh developments in the likes of AI-generated works.

Does the copyright from the works belong to the original programmer of the AI, for instance, or does it belong to the user who is instructing it to perform the task?

In future, will companies who use autonomous AI have to declare that their employees were the inventors despite them having little to do with the actual creation?

The IPO recently stated that it acknowledges “there are legitimate questions” around how intellectual property looks on AI creations and decides who owns them.

It believes that any future changes would need to be considered on an international level, not just within the UK.

All Scottish healthcare leaders have been very clear on the deployment of AI – that it should supplement human expertise rather than replace it – and there’s no doubting how effective it appears to be in, for example, enabling review and translation of mammograms with high accuracy alongside clinicians’ experience and insight.

Used well, AI can become an important safeguard in such processes while making them faster and more efficient.

For AI innovators working in healthcare though, the securing of patents and copyrights may become increasingly complex.

Under UK patent law, the NHS, as employer, will usually own the intellectual property created by healthcare professionals in the course of their employment or specifically assigned duties.

Comprehensive AI policies must therefore adapt to encompass both current challenges in delivering its benefits in healthcare settings, while precluding issues from likely future advances.

With a robust, horizon scanning policy in place, AI-related innovation can flourish but with the peace of mind which comes through IP protection.  

Protecting the IP rights of the NHS represents one of the cornerstones of InnoScot Health’s service offering and why the organisation was initially set up.

We assist NHS Scotland in managing this IP, to ensure a return on investment for the health service. Any revenue generated from commercialising ideas and innovations from healthcare professionals is shared with the originator and the health board through a bespoke NHS inventor award scheme as detailed in individual employee contracts and health board IP policies.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

Ushering in a more personalised healthcare system

Subhro Malik, Senior Vice President & Head Life Science, Infosys

Millions of users across England are using the NHS App to quickly access various digital services such as scheduling doctor appointments, checking their records, referring to repeat prescriptions etc. The UK government wants to extend the app’s usage with ambitious plans to enrich its features over the next couple of years, and eventually accelerate the digital revolution in healthcare. By March 2024, the government hopes to have at least 75% of the adult population relying on the app for a wide array of healthcare services.

These ambitions clearly indicate the growing acceptance of technology as an enabler of healthcare on a massive scale. In the modern context, public healthcare needs to be patient-centric, holistic, anytime and anywhere, and stakeholders are increasingly depending on technology to deliver at scale. Digital interventions can truly transform the way healthcare services are delivered and bring these in line with end-user expectations.

Technologies such as the Internet of things, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, blockchain, and wearables can enable remote monitoring, exchange, and capture of relevant patient information. Studies show that healthcare providers harnessing such technologies and digital solutions are better placed to improve patient outcomes. The use of data enables more accurate diagnoses, better decision-making, self-management, and personalization of care. Medical device companies are also adding value by embedding digital assistants and apps into their products to enable a more personalised user experience.

For example, patients ailing from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, chronic pain, or spinal disorders are required to strictly following prescribed medication, exercise, and nutrition regimens to manage their condition. It calls for a high degree of health and nutrition literacy and support in tracking and monitoring regimens, while remaining mindful of ambiguities and consequences. Patients already grappling with chronic conditions often feel overwhelmed by the complexities involved. They tend to lean heavily on professional supervision and interventions, expecting support on-demand.

In such situations, digital health platforms can become their lifelines. By seamlessly integrating real-time data from medical devices, wearables, mobile apps as well as other digital devices, these platforms enable clinicians to remotely monitor each patient’s progress. Digital health platforms also aggregate and analyse data to produce insights tailored to help each patient. They focus on enabling self-management of chronic conditions, and forming positive habits, thus helping them work towards a better quality of life.

A host of digital tools such as virtual coaches and digital diaries are available today that make patient-centred care, a reality. Patients with chronic pain can record, monitor, and access their pain data, closely trace patterns. These insights that can inform and push them towards choosing a better diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle.

Patients want more accessibility to their healthcare provider and may require support anytime. However, this support can be hard to come by, especially at odd hours. On the other hand, one of the biggest advantages of virtual tools is that support is available anytime, anywhere. This makes them an ideal solution for patients with chronic pain to avail on-demand support. In the absence of a consistent in-person supervisor, they can use a virtual coach who remotely monitors and guides them through their medication and exercise regimens that are integral to pain management. They are also able to log their pain patterns, moods, sleep data, and activities and understand whether their coping strategies are effective or need improvement.

Undoubtedly, digital platforms are valuable in the management of patient care with their strong alignment to each patient’s expectation and needs of personalised care. They can play a key role in enabling easy access to reliable information, on-demand support, user-friendly navigation etc. There are challenges, however, that could derail the radical changes, which technology can bring to healthcare systems. For instance, research suggests that patients feel a natural reticence in sharing highly personal/confidential health data on an app or online tool. Patient sensitivities over data privacy and security breaches can override the advantages of any feature or functionality these apps promise.

After all, the success of personalised digital health systems depends on the extent to which patients can trust the healthcare provider with regards to: “Is my confidential data in safe hands? And is my care provider using the most relevant insights to deliver the care I need when it matters the most to me? Health care providers and medical device manufacturers investing in digital solutions need to address these concerns and plug systemic vulnerabilities, on priority. Some of the measures that have proved to be effective include implementing physical and digital access controls, electronic audit trails, and risk analyses. Of course, giving the patient the choice to share their personal information voluntarily and the choice to opt out is important too.

Ensuring the data safety and empowering patients with knowledge and choice will be key in shaping the future of digital healthcare.

Continue Reading

Lifestyle

HALF OF ADULTS SUFFER ANXIETY, REVEALS NEW RESEARCH

Leading Experts Identify ‘Epidemic Of Anxiety’ and Call for Empowerment Tools

New research reveals that half (48%) of all adults in the UK experience anxiety, equating to nearly 26 million people.[i] Given the widespread prevalence of this mental health condition, leading health experts have identified an ‘epidemic of anxiety’.

Commenting in a new ‘Empowerment in the Epidemic of Anxiety Report’,[ii] the panel of community and industry health experts highlighted the growing burden of mental health issues on an already overstretched NHS. They conclude that the way forward must include empowering and supporting those with mild anxiety to develop coping strategies.

Surge of Anxiety

The UK has seen a marked rise in generalised anxiety over the past decade, especially among younger people and women.[iii] Over 8 million people (around 1 in 10) are living with a diagnosable anxiety disorder at any one time,[iv] but this may not paint the whole picture. New research commissioned by Kalms Herbal Remedies shows that half (48%) the adult population often suffers from anxiety at a level that impacts their day-to-day living.i

Dr Sarah Jarvis, general practitioner, clinical consultant and expert panellist, comments: “We have a perfect storm of issues in relation to anxiety. The figures for people suffering with anxiety have increased considerably during the pandemic. To add to the problem, waiting lists for mental health services have increased further. This lack of availability of service inevitably has a huge impact on general practice as well – people with anxiety consult their GP more often, and I have found it increasingly difficult to be able to offer services for people at the milder end of the anxiety and depression spectrum.”

Self-Help Toolbox

To help prevent mild anxiety from progressing, and to improve the quality of people’s lives sooner, the expert panel recommend that people utilise a ‘mild anxiety toolbox’ – a series of powerful, evidence-based tools that can be employed into everyday life.

Talking therapies are a mainstay for many mental health concerns, including anxiety. Several of the methods used in formal talking therapies can be adapted and learned as a form of self-help therapy without the assistance of a professional.[v] For example, CBT-inspired self-help strategies and techniques such as reframing helpful thoughts, tackling worries and facing fears can be practiced at home.

Complementary therapies or practices can be integrated into everyday life to either help ease mild anxiety symptoms or to help prevent anxiety altogether. For example, mindfulness can work well alongside yoga and hypnotherapy. Developing an awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours can help to break negative habits and improve self-esteem. vi,[vi]i

Lifestyle changes such as getting more sleep, eating a balanced diet, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and exercising can go a long way toward easing anxiety. For example, just 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for three to five days a week can significantly improve anxiety symptoms.[vii]i

Numerous de-stressing and mood-boosting apps are available to help reduce anxiety. A good place to start is the ‘Hub of Hope’ app – the UK’s leading mental health support database, which brings local, national, peer, community, charity, private and NHS mental health services together in one place. Some mild anxiety sufferers may also benefit from group discussions; organisations offering a range of resources include Anxiety UK, SANE and Mind.

Many people rely on herbs to help with mild to moderate mental health conditions, including anxiety, whilst avoiding the unwanted and negative side effects of medications. For example, studies have shown reductions in cortisol levels and anxiety following the use of ashwagandha.ix Lavender oil contains terpenes, such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which may have a calming effect on chemical receptors in the brain.ix,x Studies have shown that a daily capsule of pharmaceutical-quality lavender oil, found only in Kalms Lavender, is as effective as commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications such as lorazepam and paroxetine.xi, xii

If mild anxiety worsens or becomes disabling, the next step is seeking professional help in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

-Ends-


[i] Survey by Census Wide, commissioned by Lanes Health. Conducted on 3,726 Respondents – including 2,000 nationally representative respondents. October 2023.

[ii] Lanes Health. Empowerment in the Epidemic of Anxiety: Equipping patients and healthcare providers with the necessary tools and skills to manage mild anxiety. 2023.

[iii] The Guardian. UK has experienced ‘explosion’ in anxiety since 2008, study finds. September 2020. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/sep/14/uk-has-experienced-explosion-in-anxiety-since-2008-study-finds (Accessed: April 2023).

[iv] Mental Health UK. What is anxiety? Available at: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/conditions/anxiety-disorders/what-is-anxiety/ (Accessed: April 2023).

[v] Mental Health UK. Treatments for anxiety disorders. Available at: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/help-and-information/conditions/anxiety-disorders/treatment/ (Accessed: May 2023).

[vi] Royal College of Psychiatrists. Hidden waits force more than three quarters of mental health patients to seek help from emergency services. October 2022. Available at: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/news-and-features/latest-news/detail/2022/10/10/hidden-waits-force-more-than-three-quarters-of-mental-health-patients-to-seek-help-from-emergency-services (Accessed: April 2023).

[vi]i Mind. Types of complementary and alternative therapies. Available at: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/complementary-and-alternative-therapies/types-of-complementary-and-alternative-therapies/#Hypnotherapy/ (Accessed: May 2023).

[vii]i Mayo Clinic. Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms. September 2017. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495 (Accessed: May 2023).

ix Salve J, et al. Cureus. 2019;11(12):e6466.

x Malcolm BJ and Tallian K. Ment Health Clin. 2018;7(4):147–155.

xi Woelk H and Schläfke S. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(2):94–99.

xii Kasper S, et al. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014;17(6):859–869.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2021 Futures Parity.