The NHS cannot embrace AI until the underlying IT systems are up to scratch

The NHS will struggle to embrace technological advances in areas such as AI because its basic systems are too slow and “badly user-friendly”, according to one. leading UK scientists.

Prof Sir Martin Landray, founder of the UK recovery trial which has saved thousands of lives during the ‘Covid’ pandemic, said it was “very sad” that the health service is still lagging behind other industries such as banking and entertainment in the use of data. and technology.

The use of technology in the health service was a key part of Ara Darzi’s review of the NHS last week, which will form the basis of the 10-year Labor reform plans. Lord Darzi said the NHS was underperforming, and part of the solution would be to “lean towards technology” by investing in IT systems, particularly in social services rather than hospitals. urgent.

“Lord Darzi correctly points out the opportunities for increased productivity and quality of care,” Landray said last week. But headline-grabbing technologies like AI, patient portals, and digital support systems require reliable, secure and well-connected data. [and the basic systems to store and manage it].”

He added: “Currently, the basic clinical desktop and office systems are slow, unreliable and user-friendly, adding cost, time and frustration. Meanwhile the data in silos – hospital, GP surgery, GP surgery, with little, if any, access to central mental health or social care.

“For years, the possibilities of technology and the richness of underlying data have been discussed – yet both as an NHS practitioner and researcher it is very disappointing to see how far behind the NHS in areas such as private banking, business, and the entertainment industry.”

Interview with The Times On Saturday, Darzi pointed out that only 1% of GP appointments are managed by the NHS programme, although 80% of people in England are registered.

“If a bank had 80% of its customers on its app, it wouldn’t be happy if 1% of them could access their account now,” he said.

The NHS has been trying to find ways to integrate data and is creating a federal data platform, a seven-year £330m project that has faced opposition after the contract was awarded to Palantir, an American company founded by a billionaire. Peter Thiel at work. closely with the CIA.

Darzi said in his report that some parts of the health service are making good use of technology, and 56% of people believe the NHS is already using AI tools to perform X-rays and other tests.

“From the discovery of new treatments to new tests and biomarkers to automated procedures, there are many ways in which health care can see extraordinary change,” he wrote.

Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said some NHS organizations were already offering “cutting edge treatment” to patients.

“But not all health service organizations are at the same level of digital maturity, with some lagging behind in the urgent need for funding and support,” she said, adding that the technology revolution “doesn’t come cheap.” not”. “Some of this is replacing outdated equipment, with reports of NHS staff having to wait too long for computers to upload or load,” McCay said. “But while digital infrastructure is important there has been a lack of focus on the skills and ability to use and manage technology. The latest digital innovations and technology will only benefit patients and increase productivity if staff are properly trained and confident in their use.