Patient empowerment – the role of technology
A new report by the NHS Confederation and Google Health explores the role of technology in empowering patients to improve their health and wellbeing.
The report is based on a survey of more than 1,000 adults in the UK – a third of whom live with one or more long-term conditions – plus interviews with people with long-term conditions who have frequent interactions with the health system.
It found people want to be empowered to improve their health and wellbeing.
However, they often lack the confidence, tools and technologies to take control as much as they would like.
Survey respondents wanted more control of their health but need their actions, and the tools they use, to be endorsed by healthcare professionals.
Find out more on the NHS Confederation website here.
Study: Collaboration with experts needed for safer health ChatGPT systems
Researchers are urging collaboration between developers and healthcare professionals to make the most of ChatGTP technologies in healthcare.
A study looked at the impact of users’ trust in the AI-driven technology.
The authors warn blind trust in ChatGPT can give people dangerously misleading information.
However, lack of trust in the technology can lead to under use and missed opportunities.
More than 600 adult respondents in the US answered an online survey for the study.
The authors conclude ChatGTP systems need to be better trained to refer people to healthcare professionals when they cannot provide a safe answer.
The full study is available on the JMIR website here.
Health fact-checking service widens remit
The iHealthFacts website, set up to counter COVID-19 misinformation, is now taking general health questions from the public.
Members of the public can enter a query into the website, run by the University of Galway in Ireland.
University experts will look into the question and provide an evidence-based answer.
Recent questions have included:
- Does taking paracetamol regularly impact children’s organs?
- Do mobile phones impact fertility?
- Does eating protein after a workout in the gym help to build muscle?
Visit the iHealthFacts website for recent questions and answers.
Read more in a blog published by Evidently Cochrane UK.
Applying informed consent principles to digital patient information solutions
A blog by Julie Smith, content director for PIF member Eido Healthcare, applies the principles of informed consent to digital patient information solutions.
Julie applies the BRAN questions for shared decision-making – Benefits, Risks, Alternatives and Nothing – to digital delivery.
Read the full blog on the Patient Safety Learning Hub here.
New advice service supports AI and digital health tech
A new online advice service is now available to help the NHS and wider care system make use of digital and AI technologies.
The AI and Digital Regulations Service provides guidance for NHS and social care adopters and digital health innovators.
The new service is a collaboration between NICE, the Care Quality Commission, the Health Research Authority and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
It is funded by the NHS AI Lab.
Visit the new service pages via the NHS website.
Race Equality Foundation urges culturally aware personalisation of dementia care
A new report from the Race Equality Foundation aims to address gaps in knowledge on black, Asian and minority ethnic people living with dementia.
Reablement for people living with dementia from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities is based on a literature review, online survey and interviews.
It suggests measures to improve care including:
- Personalisation implemented in a meaningful way which engages people with lived experience and their carers
- Better training of carers, with greater focus on dementia and cultural competency
- Greater recognition for social, cultural and religious needs within care and support.
Download the report from the Race Equality Foundation.
Video: Why people share their health stories
Three contributors to the Humans of Scotland campaign talk in a new video about their experience and why they chose to share their stories.
The ALLIANCE runs the annual health and wellbeing story-sharing campaign to:
- Raise awareness
- Educate
- Challenge stigma
- Spark conversations.
It does this by amplifying the voices of disabled people, people living with long-term conditions and unpaid carers.
Watch the video via the ALLIANCE website here.
Listen: Virtual visual assistance plan
A podcast from digital accessibility charity AbilityNet discusses plans to offer instant image-to-text responses via an app.
The AI-powered feature will be included in an existing visual assistant app.
Be My Eyes currently connects people needing sighted support with volunteers and companies through live video.
Catch up on all AbilityNet podcasts here.
Webinar: Let’s get real about co-production
A free webinar will share innovative examples of co-production.
Let’s get real about co-production runs from 11.30am to 12.30pm on Tuesday, 4 July.
The webinar is part of Co-production Week 2023, which runs from 3 July.
Find out more about all Co-production Week activities via the SCIE website here.