AI tool receives UK regulatory approval to support urgent skin cancer cases

Artificial intelligence (AI) dermatology firm Skin Analytics has received Class IIA status under the UK Medical Device Regulations 2002 for its device, DERM.

DERM uses machine learning to support clinicians in recognising the most common malignant, pre-malignant and benign skin lesions. 

James Hamlyn, quality assurance and regulatory director, Skin Analytics said: “Skin cancer rates are doubling in the UK every 10-15 years and about 30% of dermatology posts in the NHS are unfilled. Healthcare systems are not equipped to deal with the volume of patients they need to see, especially in the light of the backlog created by COVID. AI can bridge this gap.”

UK startup Moonhub launches VR training for dementia care

UK-based virtual reality (VR) training platform Moonhub has announced a raise of $2.6m in seed funding with global Proptech venture capital firm Pi Labs. 

The startup is also launching its health and social care training suite, ELARA, which will start with dementia care training. 

Moonhub’s VR technology creates a 360°, video-shot learning environment which replicates lifelike scenarios.

Martin Green, chief executive, Care England said: “The launch of Moonhub’s virtual reality training is a very creative way to deliver training for care professionals.”

Irish firm Wellola delivers patient platform for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trus

Irish healthtech firm Wellola has been chosen by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to deliver its new Patient Portal platform.

The platform will provide enhanced patient-facing services, allowing users to view medical records, message care providers, receive vital educational resources and track symptoms.

Sonia Neary, CEO and cofounder, Wellola said: “Wellola’s portal is already deployed in many organisations in the UK and Ireland, giving patients access to both primary and secondary care services through one integrated platform, and we are delighted to have secured another NHS Trust, especially one as prestigious and forward-thinking as Leeds”.

Ascenti study finds digital physiotherapy app is clinically effective

A study of 1,010 musculoskeletal (MSK) patients by physiotherapy group Ascenti concluded that digital tools are ​​clinically effective at delivering pain improvements.

The Unlocking Physio-Supported Self-Management Through Digital Advancement report captures data on clinical outcomes, patient engagement, cost effectiveness and patient satisfaction among patients using the Ascenti Reach app. Ascenti Reach offers ‘physio-led self-management’ through digital triage, personalised video-led exercise plans and a chat feature.

Adam Jarvis, chief operating officer, Ascenti, said: “People today want to be more involved in the management of their own health and they want to be able to access clinical advice at a time and place that is convenient for them.”

Research reveals just 4% of pharma organisations successfully launch digital products

A study of global pharma organisations found that just 4% of digital product launches regularly succeeded.

The Contradiction Conundrum report, conducted by digital customer experience agency Graphite in partnership with Reuters Events, found that 85% of respondents believed pharma companies should invest in digital customer experience to differentiate themselves. 

However only 37.5% said they had a process in place for understanding users’ needs around digital products.

Rob Verheul, managing director, Graphite, said: “By moving from a product-first to customer-first mindset and approach, pharma companies can improve the impact and success of their digital products in the future.”