Hosted by trade associations AXREM and the British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA), ‘The Future of MedTech – Innovating for Tomorrow’, will allow delegates to engage with speakers from the government, NICE, MHRA, and the NHS.

Held at the Mercure Northampton on 13 May 2025, The Future of MedTech conference organisers have now confirmed health tech specialist agency Highland Marketing as the headline sponsor.

Sally Edgington, chief executive officer, for AXREM, said: “The Future of MedTech conference is a new opportunity for innovators in the sector to engage in close dialogue on key issues at the centre of policy; matters that affect a sector that contributes so much to both the UK economy and health and care services.

“We are pleased to welcome Highland as the lead sponsor of this event, an organisation known for helping health tech companies to propel success stories of innovation, and to scale their success.”

Confirmed speakers include David Lawson, director of medical technology and innovation at the Department of Health and Social Care; Heidi Barnard, head of sustainability at NHS Supply Chain; and Huw Shurmer, AXREM chair.

“We are proud to partner with AXREM to bring together industry leaders and policymakers to explore advancements that will shape the future of medical technology. This is a must-attend event for anyone committed to improving patient outcomes and driving progress in healthcare,” said  David Stockdale, chief executive officer, British Healthcare Trades Association.

Mark Venables, chief executive officer for Highland Marketing, also said: “The UK has a vibrant health tech sector, which Highland has been a leading champion for more than two decades. We are privileged to be invited to support The Future of MedTech conference, and we look forward to an engaging discussion on furthering innovation in this space.”

Organisations wishing to find out more about the conference, including details of how to attend, can register online.

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Today, nearly one billion people worldwide suffer from OSA^[4], 80% of whom are still undiagnosed.^[5] Additionally, 10 to 15% of the global population are affected by insomnia^[6], with some of these individuals potentially having comorbid OSA. Undiagnosed sleep disorders aggravate and accelerate NCD symptoms. We should, therefore, always seek to innovate to address sleep issues and disorders that burden individuals, impact chronic diseases as well as tax the healthcare system.

Adopting a technology driven mindset for clinical research and health solutions

Evaluating underlying factors and developing technology-driven solutions opens new opportunities for improved patient outcomes, prevention, and the promotion of healthy ageing across Europe. Through strong engagement with patients and continuous partnerships with public, academic and other stakeholders, we aim to accelerate the adoption of digital health technologies (DHTs) to scale the availability of solutions and treatments for many sleep conditions including OSA and other sleep disorders, including insomnia, which directly impact NCDs.

A holistic, multi-faceted approach is needed to improve the patient pathway, and digital health solutions must be a part of this. The WHO recently published a report^[7] that discusses the benefits of Digital Health Technology and how boosting digital health can help prevent millions of deaths from non-communicable diseases in the next decade, as well as help address the current shortage of hospital staff.

Healthcare companies can also embark on clinical and healthcare outcomes research to determine the effectiveness of their innovative solutions on patient outcomes and the broader healthcare system. For example, ResMed’s supported ALASKA study – a large-scale analysis of a cohort of 176,000 individuals treated with CPAP in France – based on data from the French National Health insurance reimbursement system for new CPAP users. Through the analysis, the impact of CPAP treatment on long-term survival was explored and it was found that those who continued CPAP had a 39% better chance of survival than those who stopped their CPAP within the first year.

Along with tracking the effectiveness of new solutions, digital health has bolstered the ability to diagnose and elevate the quality-of-care patients receive. In the UK, the National Health Service’s strategic partnerships with private technology firms helped the rapid deployment of remote care solutions, allowing Health Care Professionals to monitor over 12,000 COVID patients remotely within just three months of implementation, promptly addressing health concerns, and reducing the strain on hospital resources.

OSA and technology driven strategies for sleep health

In the US, the cost of undiagnosed OSA is approximately $150 billion, highlighting the importance of accessible diagnosis-to-treatment pathway for these patients. By treating 80% of OSA patients with digital health solutions, we could save up to $50 billion annually worldwide in healthcare costs and regain productivity.^[8] But despite their effectiveness, we are continuing to face challenges when it comes to the adoption of DHTs. Lack of reimbursement structures that incentivise prescribing new solutions, and a low level of awareness among medical professionals about the importance of sleep as a foundational pillar of health are two important factors that can delay the adoption of DHTs.

As digital health technologies continue to evolve, new approaches and innovative solutions are emerging that hold tremendous potential for advancing healthcare overall. I believe it is up to healthcare leaders and policymakers to spread the word about enhanced innovation and the benefits of the deployment of digital health technologies that can help address the burden of sleep disorders and non-communicable diseases more broadly. By weaving sleep health into the digital health conversation, public health strategies, and everyday practice, well-being will be positively impacted. Not only will this help improve patients’ lives, but it will also reduce pressure on national health services and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient health service for decades to come.

By Carlos Nunez, Chief Medical Officer, ResMed

References

^[1] Redline, S., et al. (2010). The effects of obstructive sleep apnea on cardiovascular disease and stroke. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 7(5), 277-285.

^[2] Kent, B. D., et al. (2014). Obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes: Epidemiology and pathophysiologic insights. Chest, 146(4), 967-973.

^[3] Nutt D, Wilson S, Paterson L. Sleep disorders as core symptoms of depression. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2008;10(3):329-336. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2008.10.3/dnutt

^[4] Benjafield, A. V., et al. (2019). Global prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in adults: Estimation using currently available data. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 7(8), 687-698.

^[5] Goyal M, Johnson J. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Management. Mo Med. 2017;114(2):120-124.

^[6] Kaur H, Spurling BC, Bollu PC. Chronic Insomnia. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526136/

^[7] World Health Organisation : Boosting digital health can help prevent millions of deaths from noncommunicable diseases. September 2024

^[8] Frost & Sullivan Report (2016) – Hidden Health Crisis Costing America Billions: Underdiagnosing and Undertreating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Drains Healthcare System.

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Tony Stark’s Iron Man suit didn’t just make him a superhero—it was a high-tech health monitor, tracking his vitals in real-time, assessing injuries, and even managing stress levels. Stark’s armor, enhanced with AI, anticipated threats to his life and acted as a cutting-edge medical assistant. This might seem like sci-fi, but wearable technology is quickly catching up, bringing that kind of health-monitoring power into everyday life.

As wearables evolve, so do the security challenges that come with them. In 2025, protecting the sensitive data stored and transmitted by these devices will be a new battle. From glucose sensors and heart rate monitors to sleep trackers and more, wearables are becoming an integral part of healthcare.

But without robust security protocols, these life-saving devices risk becoming the perfect target for cyberattacks, data manipulation, and even ransomware threats. Whether it is smartwatch, a fitbit or even a smartphone, it potentially comes with cybersecurity issues that the healthcare industry can no longer ignore – and 2025 will be the year that wearable security takes center stage.

What are the reasons for concerns?

More Devices: Wearables are changing the way we approach health monitoring. In a world where an Apple Watch can conduct an EKG and a sensor can continuously monitor glucose levels, these devices offer unparalleled convenience for patients and practitioners. A recent report by Grand View Research estimated that the global wearable medical devices market will reach over $40 billion by 2027, driven by demand for remote patient monitoring and an aging population. Yet this convenience comes at a cost because each new wearable device connected to the healthcare ecosystem can also represent a new entry point for cyber threats.

Lack of Standardized Security Protocols: The wearable device market lacks consistent regulations and standards for data protection. Different manufacturers implement varying security measures, if any, which leaves gaps that attackers can exploit. As a result, devices from different brands often have inconsistent encryption and authentication protocols, making it easier for hackers to target weaker systems. With no universal standard for wearable security, each device manufacturer creates its own protocols, leading to a patchwork of security measures. This lack of cohesion opens the door for hackers, who can exploit vulnerabilities in one device to access patient data or, worse, manipulate critical health information.

Low User Awareness: Unlike computers or smartphones, users often don’t consider wearables to be vulnerable to cyber attacks. Many wearable users lack awareness about securing their devices, which can lead to weak or default passwords and a lack of regular updates. This makes it easier for cybercriminals to access wearable devices unnoticed.

What can happen if these devices are targeted?

Data Manipulation: The stakes are high when it comes to health data security. While ransomware attacks that lock down devices are concerning, a new and even more insidious threat is on the rise – data manipulation. Imagine an attacker gaining access to a wearable glucose monitor and adjusting the readings, leading a patient to administer insulin based on false information. This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario. As IoT and wearables become more integrated into patient care, hackers have an avenue to interfere with medical decisions in real-time.

In 2023, researchers from ESET, demonstrated vulnerabilities in popular fitness trackers. The report found that attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to tamper with the devices, potentially altering health data such as step counts and heart rate information. This raised significant concerns about the security of wearable devices, which are increasingly used for health monitoring and fitness tracking. The ease with which the data could be manipulated highlighted the need for enhanced cybersecurity – especially those that handle sensitive health information.

While this experiment was conducted in a controlled environment, it highlighted the terrifying potential of data manipulation in healthcare. Without stringent security protocols, wearables could inadvertently contribute to dangerous treatment decisions.

A Gateway to Larger Attacks: The appeal of wearables as a target goes beyond individual data. In a healthcare ecosystem where devices are interconnected, a compromised wearable can serve as a gateway to larger networks. Ransomware attackers are increasingly targeting hospitals and healthcare providers, recognizing that downtime can be a matter of life and death. In 2025, we expect ransomware tactics to evolve, with attackers potentially leveraging wearables as entry points to infiltrate entire healthcare networks.

Once inside, a ransomware actor could disable critical systems, from patient records to life-supporting devices, holding the hospital hostage for a significant ransom. A recent survey by HIMSS revealed that 70% of hospitals experienced a significant ransomware attack last year. With wearable devices adding to the complexity of healthcare networks, we can only expect this number to grow.

What can we do to prevent attacks?

Encryption and Authentication: Implementing standardized security measures may sound like an obvious solution, but the challenge lies in execution. Strong encryption should be a baseline requirement to protect data transmitted between the wearable device and the healthcare provider’s system. According to a 2024 report by the Ponemon Institute, over 60% of healthcare data breaches involve data in transit, underscoring the importance of encryption at every stage.

Authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), add another layer of security by ensuring that only authorized users can access data. While MFA is commonplace in many technologies, its adoption in medical wearables remains limited. Requiring multi-factor authentication could prevent unauthorized access to sensitive health data, mitigating the risk of exploitation.

Real-Time Monitoring: Real-time monitoring and threat detection are essential for identifying suspicious activity. The use of advanced AI algorithms is starting to help monitor data flows, looking for anomalies that could signal a cyber attack and we expect to see more of this in 2025. I can imagine a scenario where a wearable device suddenly transmits data spikes that don’t align with the patient’s typical health metrics – a real-time monitoring system could alert the healthcare provider, allowing for swift intervention.

Build a Culture of Security; To protect patient health and privacy, stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem must collaborate. Healthcare providers, wearable manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and cybersecurity experts all have a role to play. The establishment of a wearable security alliance could pave the way for industry-wide standards, promoting best practices and encouraging information-sharing on emerging threats. A survey, conducted online by the Harris Poll in 2023 revealed that 81% of Americans assume that all protected health data collected by digital health apps and wearables is protected data. And while 68% of Americans say they are very or somewhat familiar with data protection laws such as HIPAA – this does not safeguard protected health information (PHI) within the context of digital apps or other health companies.

Incentives from government bodies could also drive compliance. For instance, tax breaks or certification benefits for wearable manufacturers who adhere to stringent security standards might encourage wider adoption. Just as USB and Wi-Fi standards have evolved to ensure interoperability and security, a universal standard for wearable security could become the norm.

Patients as the Last Line of Defense: Patients must also be educated on how to protect their wearable devices. Encouraging users to activate security features, regularly update device software, and use strong, unique passwords can reduce the risk of compromise.

Education can empower patients to take control of their data security. For instance, healthcare providers could offer resources or workshops to help patients understand the security settings on their devices. By raising awareness, healthcare organizations can create a culture where security is everyone’s responsibility.

Redefine Cybersecurity for Wearables

2025 is set to be a transformative year for wearable technology in healthcare. With the risks associated with unsecured devices growing, the need for security measures has never been clearer. As wearables become more integrated into patient care, the stakes are too high to ignore the cybersecurity challenges they pose.

In the coming year, we expect to see significant progress in the establishment of security standards for wearable devices. The path forward will require collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to prioritize patient safety. Just as Stark needed his suit’s defences, we’ll need to armor our wearables against cyber threats to protect and prioritize patient safety and health data.

By Charles Cinert, Chief Services Officer ClearDATA

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However, with these advancements come heightened security risks. Mobile devices store and transmit vast amounts of sensitive patient data, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.

Suzan Sakarya shares her expertise on how NHS Trusts can manage and secure healthcare mobile devices effectively to protect both patient data and quality of care.

What unique challenges do NHS Trusts face in securing healthcare mobile devices?

Mobile security tends to be a struggle across most sectors, but healthcare faces some unique issues that ramp up the challenge. NHS Trusts are extremely busy environments, with huge numbers of patients and staff coming and going around the clock. With most of them having at least one mobile device on their person, this represents a myriad of devices connecting to the network in addition to the mobile devices healthcare personnel routinely rely on for patient care.

Budget and operational constraints also mean that healthcare providers tend to hang on to outdated legacy devices for longer than other fields, increasing the chances of vulnerable devices that can be exploited by attackers. This is exacerbated by the widespread use of unpatched and potentially vulnerable software.

It’s common for devices to run multiple instances of third-party software, which means keeping them secure relies on the vendor providing regular updates and security patches. Vendors overlooking this duty and leaving devices vulnerable is a common root cause of security breaches.

Trusts also face a difficult balancing act in handling sensitive data. Protecting patient information is essential, but any security measure must also account for the continuity of care, as any delay in device access could disrupt treatment. Balancing the need for quick, seamless access to devices with stringent security requirements is an ongoing challenge.

Why are healthcare organisations, especially NHS Trusts, attractive targets for cybercriminals?

Healthcare organisations hold a wealth of sensitive data, making them high-value targets for cybercriminals.

Patient health information is particularly valuable on the black market, often selling for more than financial data due to its permanence and the opportunities it offers for identity theft and fraud. This data includes both medical histories and personal identification details, making it extremely profitable for attackers.

Criminal groups have also proven themselves increasingly willing to threaten patient well-being as leverage for disruptive ransomware attacks. While it’s never ideal, most businesses can survive a day-long outage. For Trusts, even a brief incident of unplanned downtime can have huge consequences. Groups will often combine data exfiltration with encryption to increase the pressure on meeting payment demands.

The fact that so many healthcare organisations operate under strict resource constraints also makes implementing robust security measures more challenging. Attackers know this and may perceive healthcare providers as softer targets compared to other industries with higher security budgets.

The complex and often unmonitored array of devices continually joining the network and accessing resources also provides an enticing pathway to access the broader IT infrastructure and critical health data.

What steps can NHS Trusts take to gain greater visibility and control over mobile devices to protect sensitive patient data?

Effective mobile security relies on comprehensive visibility into each device connected to the network. Implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions is a foundational step, as these tools enable IT teams to monitor device access, enforce security policies, and track any unauthorised attempts to access sensitive data. Real-time visibility is critical, as it allows Trusts to detect and respond to threats swiftly.

Enforcing consistent security policies across devices is equally important. By demanding measures such as regular software updates, and multi-factor authentication, NHS Trusts can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access. Implementing strict policies around encryption also ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen, patient data remains protected.

Finally, fostering a security-aware culture among healthcare staff is essential. Training employees to recognise potential threats, such as phishing emails or insecure app installations, empowers them to act as a frontline defence. The healthcare environment is fast-paced and often stressful, but educating staff on safe device usage ensures that security doesn’t fall by the wayside in daily operations.

Are there examples of how NHS Trusts are implementing these strategies successfully?

Keeping healthcare secure can feel like a decidedly uphill battle, but we’ve witnessed first hand what can be achieved with the right approach.

One strong example is Gloucestershire NHS Trust, which runs Gloucester Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital. The Trust was struggling with a huge increase in data usage due to remote working, going from 400GB a month to over 3.2TB. At the same time, it needed to ensure that mobile workers were as secure as those using the on-premises Wi-Fi.

They overcame these challenges by setting precise data caps and restricting non-essential apps on mobiles and SIM-enabled laptops, reducing costs and securing patient data while ensuring devices remained functional for care delivery.

Another strong case is Oxford Health NHS Trust, which implemented MDM to secure and streamline their use of Apple devices for community healthcare. By enabling real-time oversight and managing device configurations, the Trust ensured secure access to sensitive data, supporting their mobile health strategy while protecting patient confidentiality.

These Trusts highlight that a balanced approach – combining technology with staff education – can yield significant results. By prioritising visibility, control, and training, NHS Trusts can better protect sensitive data and improve the security of mobile devices against increasingly aggressive threat actors.

By Suzan Sakarya, Senior Manager of EMEIA Security Strategy at Jamf

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The younger generation’s reluctance to favour the phone is understandable. Phone calls usually take longer than expected, come with complicated navigational menus, and—more often than not—devolve into a hapless game of phone tag.

Online scheduling just makes more sense. Plus, Gen Z is already more comfortable and familiar with digital interactions, given that teenagers and early twenty-somethings (born between the late 1990s and early 2010s) have never known a world without ubiquitous technology.

Clearly, there’s a generational shift away from phone calls towards more user-friendly digital communications—it behooves healthcare providers to pay attention and adapt accordingly.

Gen Z digital preferences: comfortable, secure and efficient

Unlike previous generations, for whom technology comes with learning curves, Gen Z are digital natives. They’re not only accustomed to digital tools; they prefer and rely on them for both personal and professional tasks, e.g., socialising, entertainment, fitness, and even banking. By contrast, they consider phone calls time-consuming, inefficient, and, in some cases, anxiety-inducing. It makes sense, then, that they expect the same streamlined, digital experiences in their healthcare interactions, too.

Beyond digitisation, Gen Z has other demands that differ from those of their forebears: comfort. Specifically, Gen Z values privacy and personalisation when communicating with healthcare providers. They find phone calls lack the level of privacy and comfort they need, especially when discussing sensitive issues like mental health. Secure online platforms, on the other hand, ease their privacy concerns by limiting who can see their data. Digital communication tools also give them the personalisation they’ve become accustomed to and now seek in healthcare experiences. In fact, for Gen Z, this can be a dealbreaker; nearly one-third call personalisation a top priority, more so than any other generation.

Generational differences aside, one of the biggest benefits of digital platforms is increased efficiency—and Gen Z is in agreement. Instead of scheduling a convenient time to make a phone call, waiting on hold, and navigating complicated automated systems, Gen Z wants online scheduling systems that allow them to book, reschedule, and cancel appointments with minimal effort.

Why (and how) healthcare providers should meet Gen Z where they are

It’s easy to think Gen Z are still teenagers or even children, but by the end of 2025, they will make up 27% of the workforce in OECD countries. To attract and retain the maturing cohort as patients, providers must offer new platforms that meet their needs for comfort and convenience. If not, Gen Z is all too happy to head for the door. Consider that 44% of Gen Z say they may switch providers if they don’t offer telehealth visits, while 66% of all respondents say they’re likely to switch if a company doesn’t meet their communication expectations, and 67% will end an interaction if they find the company’s information-collection methods too difficult.

Providers can’t ignore the importance of shifting to digital communication. To that end, they must invest in user-friendly digital touchpoints that allow patients to book appointments, view test results, request prescription refills, etc. But not just any digital platform will do. Remember that Gen Z are digital natives who value privacy, i.e., they want intuitive, elegant platforms that are also private and secure.

Additionally, Gen Z are looking for online spaces where they can exchange messages with healthcare providers—and that can replace the old-fashioned phone calls they’ve deemed daunting and time-consuming. These messaging platforms should facilitate consultations, follow-ups, inquiries and post-treatment care instructions, to name just a few.

Digital communication helps providers, too

As healthcare providers pivot to digital communication to please Gen Z, they’ll discover they can benefit from the technology, as well. Beyond increasing younger patient satisfaction, digital tools help healthcare workers save time and improve productivity, among a slew of other advantages revealed in a recent WHO study.

Turns out, it’s not just Gen Z who welcomes a digital shift. While 83% of Gen Z value mobile/web-friendly experiences, 85% of all generations feel communication is important to the overall customer experience. By giving patients options to choose the communication channel that best suits their comfort levels and schedules, providers can put power back in their patients’ hands, better foster a sense of trust, and drive greater customer satisfaction, for everyone.

By John Zimmerer, Vice President of Vertical Solutions, Smart Communications

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As a physiotherapist, I found that patients generally wanted to be in control of their own treatment and recovery process, and that digital tools provide a unique avenue for delivering this control. This attitude does not change as patients get older. In fact, because older adults often struggle with feeling disempowered in an increasingly online, tech-mediated world, they appreciate opportunities to engage successfully with digital tools more so than younger people do. Some of the most positive feedback that we receive about Phio, EQL’s digital musculoskeletal healthcare platform, has come from users aged 70 and older.

I believe that it’s the joint responsibility of healthcare organisations and healthtech providers to facilitate equal access to the advantages of digitally-mediated care, and that this can be achieved through a strategy that prioritises communication, trust-building, and age-aware service and product design.

What barriers exist for older adults accessing digital health tools?  

I was recently part of a research team for a focus group study exploring perceptions of using digital health platforms, now published in JMIR Aging, for which older adults were asked their opinions on the use of such platforms for supporting the self-management of muscle and joint conditions.

Despite the growing use of digital platforms for health management, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, the responses revealed significant concerns among older adults about replacing face-to-face consultations with technology. Participants cited a lack of trust in digital platforms’ ability to accurately diagnose conditions effectively without in-person oversight.

Specifically, scepticism was voiced about the accuracy and safety of digital health platforms, with some worrying that serious conditions could be overlooked without in-person assessments:

“What you can never get from an app is the face to face, because quite often when people go to the doctor with one thing, the doctor looking at them see’s something else that they hadn’t sometimes realised themselves….​​So this is why I think face to face with always remain a crucial part of the you know, welfare of human being.” (focus group participant).

Participants further cited concerns toward carrying out physiotherapy exercises without physical observation or input from an in-person physiotherapist. One of the participants explained how following a hospital appointment, they had been given physiotherapy exercises to complete (the exercises were described on a sheet of paper). They described how they realised they were carrying out the exercises incorrectly only after a family member had observed them.

Issues around the legitimacy of some health apps were highlighted. Participants expressed concerns about not knowing whether apps are real or fake, and concern about clicking links that took them to third-party websites or asked them to download materials onto their devices. They were also concerned about sharing personal information with unknown third-party provider

The common denominator to these barriers is trust: the patient’s trust in themselves to use the tool correctly, the trust that they’ll be receiving the best care, and the trust in the technology provider.

How can this trust be created and maintained? 

In order to feel comfortable using a tool independently, a user must have trust in themselves to understand how to use and navigate it in the correct way. This is an essential first step towards benefiting from the technology, and has two parts. Firstly, the user must receive clear instructions and training on how to use the tool, and secondly, the tool must be designed in a way that is accessible and intuitive. When delivering training and designing the interface, providers should be aware that older adults have vastly different levels of digital literacy and digital support from family members. So, testing and consulting with as many different people is essential in the development and implementation phase.

To ensure that the users gain trust in the efficacy and quality of the tech tool – and in the treatment it delivers – users need to be made aware of the standards and regulations that are upheld by approved healthtech tools. This could be achieved via a targeted communications campaign that makes the public aware of the official bodies that vet third party technology providers – such as ORCHA – and how they can check the credentials of these technologies themselves. Concurrently, healthcare providers should take responsibility for communicating the efficacy and impact of digital health tools – publicising user case studies and success data, for example – so users understand why they are being asked to use them and the benefits of doing so.

By Peter Grinbergs, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at EQL

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Our recent research revealed that the life sciences industry is already capitalising on this opportunity, with 63% of organisations already having connected health products on the market or in development. Biopharma companies, in particular, have witnessed a sixfold increase in connected health offerings since 2021. By 2028, these solutions are expected to contribute 22% of total industry revenue.

As the adoption of connected health surges, pharma, medtech and medical device firms alike all face critical challenges related to data management and scalability. Rather than see these as potential problems, companies should instead capitalise on these as opportunities. To make the most of the potential for connected health, business leaders need to have a clear vision and a uniform strategy for adopting and scaling these technologies across their organisations. This approach will empower them to spearhead the necessary innovations to create novel services and products and maintain a competitive edge.

The benefits of mhealth

Biopharma companies are investing in various connected health technologies, including remote patient monitoring apps that use data from wearables and sensors to collect real-time health data. Approximately one in five organisations have already commercialised mobile apps (for patients to capture and track symptoms at home) and smart-medication adherence tools and apps – or currently have such products undergoing regulatory review.

However, one of the biggest areas of growth is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). According to our data, almost half of biopharma organisations (46%) leverage technologies such as AI and machine learning to analyse data from their connected health solutions. The integration of generative AI technologies holds immense promise, enhancing patient support, personalised care, and operational efficiency. Understanding AI’s potential and integrating it effectively are critical success factors in realising the potential of connected health to create more patient-focused products and services and accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.

Creating a data management strategy

To be able to make the most of these opportunities, companies will need to address some key challenges around data privacy and security concerns posed by mhealth applications, and increased regulatory pressures.

Life sciences is one of the most highly regulated industries, but only 46% of industry players feel prepared for regulatory compliance; 49% for data protection regulations; and 55% for regulations related to quality control measures. While regulation is seen as a significant challenge by many organisations, getting compliance right presents a huge opportunity for ensuring sustainable innovation, improved security, and a long-term competitive advantage.

This, coupled with the fact that connected health generates vast amounts of data from patient records to wearables, means life sciences companies must invest in robust data management infrastructure. This includes secure storage, data analytics, encryption and access controls that can help safeguard patient privacy and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Developing a robust data strategy that extends to the mobile platform and an effective governance framework is critical for successful connected health implementation. To ensure responsible innovation in mhealth, organisations should embed security guardrails in the design phase of mhealth applications and should carry out regular security testing to identify vulnerabilities throughout the app’s lifecycle. This would require adequate training for app development teams to ensure security is top of mind.

Additionally, clear ownership, accountability, and risk management are essential components of effective governance. As part of this, organisations must align their digital initiatives with business goals, ensuring that investments drive growth and enhance patient outcomes. To achieve this, the industry  must allocate resources strategically, balancing short-term financial constraints with long-term growth objectives.

Blending connected health with commercial activity

Our data revealed that more than half of biopharma and MedTech organisations lack the data capabilities essential to building a connected health portfolio. Many such companies have dozens of individual connected health offerings in development, at different levels of completion. Quite often these efforts are conducted in isolation, making it harder to share knowledge and optimise costs and resources. To help streamline connected health innovation, businesses need to develop a strategic portfolio united by an underlying business goal.

This would require integrating connected health solutions into existing systems through careful planning. One key area that can help maximise the success of connected health initiatives is the clever use of data to assess the long-term business potential of new offers.  To do this,  organisations must assess the compatibility, scalability, and interoperability of their data solutions. Scalability, in particular, is crucial as connected health adoption grows. Cloud-based platforms and edge computing enable efficient data storage and retrieval, while providing more flexibility to accommodate for changing business needs. By incorporating their connected health capabilities into broader business activities, life sciences companies can ensure their new solutions will be able to successfully launch and thrive on the market.

Developing a connected health ecosystem

Connected health, including mhealth, represents the next stage of evolution in healthcare. Critically, it necessitates the seamless integration of various intricate solutions and processes. Achieving this blend is crucial for success. It is clear companies want to concentrate on their innovations, so they should partner with organisations with deep domain knowledge to oversee the consolidation of both internal and external services, technologies, and strategies, allowing them to focus on what they do best.

Unlocking growth and ongoing innovation with cooperation, flexibility, and a dedication to patient-focused product design and technology will be vital for life sciences businesses. Those who adopt and integrate mhealth innovations into their operations will flourish and distinguish themselves in a competitive market. By confronting the challenges head-on and adopting industry best practices, these organisations can foster growth, elevate patient care, and be at the forefront of shaping the healthcare landscape of tomorrow.

By Rob Pears, UK Head of Life Sciences, Manufacturing and Automotive at Capgemini

The post The Business Case for Connected Health appeared first on .

In psychiatry, we’re already seeing AI making headway with healthcare diagnoses – learning from vast datasets and recognising patterns better, faster and with greater accuracy than humans.  AI-driven solutions can streamline administrative tasks like patient scheduling, billing, and electronic health record management, while also accelerating patient assessment through AI-assisted tools. By automating these processes, AI allows healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, to redirect their focus toward patient care, fostering more meaningful doctor-patient interactions and improving the overall healthcare delivery.

Yet, the current mental health care system faces significant challenges. A recent BBC article featuring a report by the Nuffield Trust group, highlighted that the NHS in England cannot meet the soaring demand for autism and ADHD assessments and treatments. Since 2019, the number of people waiting for autism assessments has increased fivefold, and ADHD medication prescriptions have risen by 51%. Additionally, training and hiring enough staff to meet this demand is prohibitively expensive, which is problematic for many healthcare industries that already don’t receive enough funding. Existing staff are also at risk of burnout due to unsustainable workloads.

There are also still widespread concerns that AI might take over and reduce the healthcare workforce, due to advancements seen in other industries where AI has been shown to assist and even replace human professionals. Yet, rather than job displacement, AI in healthcare will enable staff to switch their time and attention to tasks that cannot be automated, and to focus on activities where humans can add more value. Therefore, in order to benefit from this, what is now needed is greater collaboration between healthcare professionals and AI – which will ultimately optimise patient outcomes.

Unlocking AI’s potential

In psychiatric care, AI is revolutionising various facets of administrative support. From managing patient records to optimising operational workflows, AI technologies are simplifying processes that were once labour-intensive and prone to error. By automating routine tasks and providing data-driven insights, AI not only lightens the administrative burden on healthcare professionals but also facilitates better resource allocation and decision-making across healthcare organisations.

AI can fill gaps in mental health care delivery where human resources fall short. By integrating AI into existing workflows, care can be enhanced while maintaining professional oversight. For example, AI-assisted patient assessment tools are crucial in psychiatry for improving diagnostic accuracy and enabling early intervention. By using AI for clinical letter writing, doctors can free up at least 20% of their time, allowing them to focus more on their patients.  AI systems can also continuously learn and adapt from new data, ensuring they remain current with the latest medical research and clinical guidelines. This capability leads to more personalised and effective patient care, tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

Yet, while there are many advantages of AI, there are still many ethical considerations that need to be considered in its deployment. Striking a balance between innovation and ethical responsibility ensures that patient safety, confidentiality, and the integrity of clinical decision-making are crucial and high standards need to be upheld.

It will also never be able to replace human intuition, empathy, and critical thinking. In particular, empathy is all about building trust, listening intently to the other person, paying attention to their feelings and needs, and responding in a manner that the other person feels understood. So, the role of the doctor shifts from traditional diagnosis and treatment, to helping patients understand why they may feel the way they do, and what other strategies they can try to improve the situation. This is something AI will never be able to replicate.

That’s not to say there is no place for AI in psychiatry. What we need is strong collaboration between humans and technology. AI will help medical professionals to become more efficient, seamless and less prone to error and mistakes. Plus, human expertise is essential in interpreting AI-generated recommendations, making informed decisions, and providing compassionate patient care. In the near future, AI-driven systems supervised by healthcare practitioners may become common, although their acceptance will vary among individuals.

So, will AI take over psychiatric care?

Despite concerns, AI is not taking over psychiatric care – it is here to support and enhance the work of psychiatrists, ensuring the human element and clinical expertise remains at the forefront of mental health care delivery.

AI can handle tasks such as data analysis, diagnostic support, and administrative duties, allowing psychiatrists more time to engage directly with patients and offer them the emotive, empathic treatment they need. Human expertise also remains essential in interpreting AI-generated recommendations, making informed decisions, and providing compassionate care.

To successfully integrate AI in mental health and psychiatric care, we need to address safety concerns and adapt established practices. Once the safety concerns are resolved, it would be irresponsible not to leverage AI to enhance mental health care. Developing effective methods to collaborate with AI is essential for advancing care, especially as the demand for mental health support surpasses what human resources alone can provide. In turn, this will provide psychiatrists with an opportunity to lead the way in shaping a healthcare model that prioritises both technological advancement and humanistic values, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients and professionals alike.

About the author

Dr Wright is the Chief AI Officer and a practicing consultant psychiatrist at Psychiatry UK, the largest provider of specialist online mental health services in the UK. He led scaling the company’s technology to support over 150,000 patients as its first CTO.

Dr Wright has a strong focus on AI regulation and safety. He has represented the Royal College of Psychiatrists on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) expert advisory group on artificial intelligence, software, and apps, and is a member of the MHRA Digital Mental Health Working Group. He has also participated in the Health Technology Wales Appraisal panel and progressed to the third round of the IBM Watson Artificial Intelligence XPRIZE.

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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a “state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” 

It is an integral aspect of our health and well-being which motivates our individualistic and collective capability in making decisions, building relationships, and shaping the world we live in. 

As those enrolled in online MSW advanced standing programs know, the various life experiences and stress experienced by different people can impair our mental health. 

People who do not have the best state of mental health are recommended to engage in some treatment avenues. 

Mental health treatment is vital as it addresses the needs of people with mental health conditions. Attending therapy, counseling, and taking medications form the basics of mental health treatment. 

But now, AI is also contributing immensely to the mental health treatment sphere. 

What is AI? 

AI is a technology that enables computers and machines to model human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. It exists in many forms; arguably the most talked about is generative AI, which refers to the use of AI to create new content — this could be text, images, or any kind of media. 

In this article, we will explore the length and breadth of AI’s contribution to breaking mental health treatment barriers. 

AI in Mental Health Treatment

Researchers, therapists, and clinicians are increasingly finding that AI is a powerful tool in augmenting current mental health treatment techniques. 

AI is currently powering the functionality of chatbots. Chatbots are a form of conversational AI designed to model human interaction with computers. 

AI chatbots are virtual representations of humans and can accommodate interpersonal-level interactions. The benefits associated with these chatbots are immense, and there are a growing number to choose from. 

Early intervention 

In former years, the state of an individual’s mental health was not easily known. However, with the invention of AI chatbots, there is now quick access to treatment within a critical window of time, which makes room for speedy responses that can be crucial for  patient well-being. 

Access to the appropriate treatment 

AI chatbots have offered a streamlined matching system of patients to clinicians and therapists. 

It is without doubt that people from different backgrounds including gender, cultural, ethnic, or LGBTQAI+ demographics, have different needs. AI chatbots have bridged the gap between therapists and individuals from various backgrounds seamlessly — ensuring that all individuals have access to appropriate care.

Enhanced treatment models 

The traditional model of therapy involved patients meeting therapists on a regular basis, typically for an hour-long session. 

However, AI chatbots have transformed this model by offering 24/7 access to mental health treatment if needed.

Expansion of services 

Many people find traditional therapy intimidating and as such avoid going in for help when needed. It is very common for humans to avoid being vulnerable to one another, especially people whom they are not acquainted or comfortable with. 

However, with the introduction of AI chatbots, now everyone can approach therapy with no hesitation. 

Potential challenges 

Indeed, AI chatbots are contributing and shaping therapy for mental health treatment in a way we have never seen before. 

Even so, a couple of limitations are associated with the capability of AI chatbots. 

First, there is a common worry about quality assurance by its users. This stems from the fact that the response from the AI chatbot might not be standardized or of the same nature as that of a qualified professional. This is something that people will likely come to terms with over time, but it’s also important to remember that anyone who feels that they might want or need the assistance of a human professional, should take the steps to engage with one.

There is also a concern among some that AI chatbots cannot offer the empathy of an in-person therapist. Everyone will have varying levels of comfort when it comes to using a chatbot, and this is a very personal preference that only you can decide for yourself. For most, using an AI chatbot is better than having no mental health support at all, but again, if it’s not something you’re comfortable with, you should seek the help of a human healthcare professional. 

Like many areas of our lives, the mental health space is changing with the introduction of new technology, particularly AI. While there are some challenges to the introduction of AI chatbots for mental health, they are ultimately a step in the right direction when it comes to making mental health support more accessible for people across the world. 

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The Burden of Chronic Wounds

The prevalence of chronic wounds, including leg ulcers, has reached epidemic proportions. Between one and three percent of adults above the age of 60 suffer from chronic leg ulcers, rising to over five percent in adults above 80 years old. Chronic wounds, like venous leg ulcers (VLU), are notoriously complex, slow to heal and difficult to treat, with many patients experiencing recurrences within a year of healing. This poses a significant physical and emotional burden to patients, and a wider financial burden on healthcare systems, costing the NHS approximately £2bn to treat every year.

As a result of chronic wounds, many patients experience discomfort, shame and social isolation, impacting their ability to take on everyday tasks. Perhaps the most debilitating result of chronic wounds is the ongoing pain patients live with due to the nature of chronic wounds and the treatment provided.

Leg Ulcers and Pain Management

Pain is the most reported symptom in VLU patients. In terms of pain intensity, up to 35 percent of patients with chronic VLUs suffer a pain intensity recorded at ≥5 out of 10 (10 being unbearable pain). However, managing persistent wound pain with opioid and non-opioid analgesics often proves inadequate, with patients struggling to access the right treatment or reporting it ineffective. Living with this pain negatively impacts the quality of life of wound patients and those who care for them. When combined with a lack of mobility and sleep, this can lead to a deterioration in mental health and have further consequences on patients’ physical health.

There are a number of direct factors that impact the experience of pain, including the severity of the injury and its management. Wounds UK revealed that negative emotions, such as anxiety, stress, depression, and a lack of control can all contribute to increased pain, indicating that psychological variables and pain management need to be recognised across wound care to improve healing outcomes.

Pain and Patient Adherence

The current standard of care for treating wounds like VLUs is compression therapy, which can come in the form of two or four-layer bandaging, wraps, or hosiery dressings. Compression therapy improves venous circulation and reduces swelling by squeezing the leg to promote blood flow back to the heart, accelerating wound healing and helping prevent infections.

However, overall patient adherence to compression therapy is low, estimated between 12 and 52%. Low adherence to compression therapy is often a result of patients being unable to tolerate the pain and discomfort caused by the pressure applied. At times, this can trigger patients to form a negative relationship with compression therapy, causing them to be less receptive to treatment, and delaying healing progress significantly.

Improving Pain Relief

According to the International Wound Journal, an estimated 50-60 percent of patients experience persistent wound pain, often as a result of failure to heal or lack of concordance with treatment. In some instances, patients may request lighter levels of compression to reduce pain, causing healing progress to slow or stop altogether, causing patients to experience wound pain for longer. However, by prioritising pain reduction, patients gain more trust in their treatment, fostering a more receptive attitude and speeding up the healing process significantly.

As the experience of pain is central for the wound patient, it should be for the healthcare professional also. To manage their ongoing pain, patients need to feel empowered to take control of their condition. Indeed, Wounds UK further revealed how the more control patients have in managing their condition, the less likely they could be to suffer from pain.

The Promise of MedTech

Fortunately, innovations in medical technology (MedTech), are providing adjunctive solutions to wound care that can be used alongside compression therapy to improve healing outcomes. For example, a small, non-invasive wearable device that promotes blood flow increase can be worn by patients with compression therapy. This results in enhanced oxygen and nutrient delivery to the wound bed and edge, clinically proven to reduce pain and accelerate wound healing.

This enhanced blood flow, provided by both compression therapy and a wearable medical device, puts less reliance on compression therapy alone. Combined, they successfully drive up adherence to standard of care, ensuring better patient outcomes.

With MedTech used in combination with compression therapy, patients can benefit from reduced pain, which subsequently gives them more confidence in their treatment and hope that their condition will improve. This positive outcome plays a huge role in patient adherence and improving the quality of life.  By addressing pain and the emotional and physical impacts of chronic wounds on patients, MedTech promotes greater freedom, mobility and independence. This is especially true for devices that facilitate self-management, empowering patients to take ownership of elements of their care.

Investing in The Future

To improve patient adherence, healthcare systems are more than ever acknowledging that pain management is a crucial step of the wound-healing journey. The impact of deploying MedTech can be equally profound. Faster healing of wounds means less complications and fewer resources needed to deliver wound care. Within health systems, this results in substantially reduced costs, including a reduction in the requirements for home visits from community and remote nursing teams. By breaking the cycle of hard-to-heal chronic wounds, the growing use of medical devices represents a potential step-change in pain management and wound healing outcomes for patients everywhere who are affected by this complex, common – and increasingly prevalent – condition.

By Bernard Ross, CEO of Sky Medical Technology

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