An innovative medical technology data project in Murray, Scotland has been named Most Noteworthy TEC Innovation at the 2024 ITEC (International Technology Care) Awards.
The project revolves around the generation and collation of comprehensive data on social determinants of health and is one of five “living laboratories” provided by the Rural Center of Excellence. The technology-led pilot aims to address the unprecedented demand on health and social care provision across the region caused by longer life expectancies, increased demand for services and fewer health professionals .
It was established in 2021 as part of Moray’s growth deal, with the UK Government funding £5 million to establish a regional center of excellence for digital healthcare innovation. It is led by the Scottish Digital Health and Innovation Center. We are currently piloting an approach that uses technology to empower patients and caregivers and encourage people to take active responsibility for their own health and wellbeing.
Just last month, DHI Director Professor George Crooks OBE called out the need for digital technology to drive the modernization of Scotland’s integrated health and social care system.
Benefits of data sharing
Sharing relevant and linked data across all aspects of a patient’s life is expected to first help shift the balance of care towards self-management and community services. This reduces pressure on frontline services and provides more targeted and efficient care.
Dr Malcolm Simmons, Moray’s General Practice Clinical Lead and involved in the project, said: Information used to optimize the care provided to an individual. By giving individuals control over who has access to their information, individuals can choose to share their information with everyone important to them, allowing medical and care teams to communicate more effectively. and improve the care of the individual at the heart of this model. ”
He added: “In the future, everyone will have access to this technology and will be able to access results, health information, and advice on their phone or tablet, including up-to-date information about local resources and services that can help them deal with health issues. ” or encourage a healthier lifestyle. ”
The data collation and analysis of this project is unique internationally and offers the potential for significant impact on both populations and services through its ability to generate individual and population-level insights. This allows for increased self-management, early intervention, and targeted resources.
Recruiting for “Living Lab”
Four public events were held this month. The aim is to recruit new participants to a “living lab” where they can experiment with technology and measure and prove the value and efficiency of new approaches. If the Moray pilot is successful, the aim is to roll out the technology to other parts of Scotland.
Simon Bokor Ingram, Chief Executive of Moray Health and Social Care Partnership, explains: Elgin is far from Raigmore, Aberdeen and the Central Belt, and local poverty (mainly transport and neighborhood) is a serious problem. Advancing the digital agenda could be the solution.
“COVID-19 has changed the way people actively access healthcare, leading to greater acceptance of services delivered in a variety of ways. Establishing access can help reduce waiting lists and the need for unnecessary travel. There is no longer a need to travel to Aberdeen for routine medical appointments, and blood test results are available digitally through the app. will be made available to you.”
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