Intelligent Health.tech Issue 22 | Page 61

CLINICIANS ARE TRAINED TO BE SCEPTICAL , AND IT ’ S IMPORTANT TO USE THE BEST TOOLS AVAILABLE .
U N D E R T H E M I C R O S C O P E

CLINICIANS ARE TRAINED TO BE SCEPTICAL , AND IT ’ S IMPORTANT TO USE THE BEST TOOLS AVAILABLE .

Are assessment delays the most pressing issue in your view ?
Yes . Definitely . A lot of the problem is about access to data and the manual or poor interfaces for data exchange . With EQL , we aim to balance this and allow quick data exchange . Our MSK product , Phio , uses a chatbot for people to report symptoms and receive appropriate treatment recommendations , improving the time to value from a patient ’ s perspective .
What would you say to potential patients who might be sceptical of using technology instead of face-to-face consultations ?
We ’ re not ideological about tech . We offer a digital front door that is optional . If you use it , you ’ ll get a recommendation for the best pathway , which might still be face-to-face treatment . We aim to deliver value and improve user experience , regardless of the method . Interestingly , through our NHS contracts , we ’ ve found that minority groups in deprived areas are more willing to engage through our digital front door , possibly due to reduced stigma compared to traditional GP visits .
How do you ensure you keep up with the most recent research and studies , especially regarding women ’ s and minority health ?
We don ’ t look for a diagnosis but rather put patients in the right place based on symptoms . This involves using evidence-informed data models and expert opinion . We also validate our data models to take into account risk factors , incident data and social-psychological impact . Our approach is dynamic as data improves over time , and we ensure a clinician oversees all processes to bridge any gaps .
What do you say to clinicians who are sceptical about the use of technology in healthcare ?
Clinicians are trained to be sceptical , and it ’ s important to use the best tools available . Until we no longer have people on waiting lists , there is no argument against using technology that can help relieve pressure . It ’ s our responsibility to explain the value of what we ’ re doing to sceptical clinicians .
In terms of preventative technology , where do you see the future ?
Healthcare should be proactive , not reactive . Prevention is challenging to monetise , but there are daily actions that can keep people injury-free and improve lifespan . We provide free materials to our corporate customers to increase awareness and encourage preventive measures .
What is the main barrier to the adoption of technology in healthcare ?
The main barrier is the assumption that technology will replace jobs or privatise the NHS . It ’ s on us to better explain the value and benefits of technology . In physio , there ’ s actually less resistance because physios are keen to adopt new tech .
What are some surprising ways you ’ ve seen technology utilised in physio and MSK ?
Motion capture is really interesting . It can theoretically analyse movement patterns and predict injuries . However , the challenge is ensuring reliable data from patients . This area has great potential , especially for prevention . �
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