1. From Challenge to Opportunity through Digital Innovation
Presentation 1
Andy Shakeshaft, Associate Director, Innovation Agency
@ShakeshaftAndy

2. The Innovation Agency
15 Academic Health Science Networks across England
Licensed and funded by NHS England
Promoting innovation in healthcare
Networked structure to improve outcomes regionally and nationally
Creating wealth
4.1m inhabitants, total health and social care funding in the North West Coast of England is £7 billion (8.8 billion EUR).
Our Aims and Objectives
To spread innovation at pace and scale across NHS
To promote and integrate the strengths of higher education, the NHS, industry, third sector
To improve health of individuals and communities
Bring investment to North West Coast
Create jobs for local people

3. Using portable technology to detect and prevent strokes
Nationally, it is estimated that nearly 1.4 million people in the UK are affected by arterial fibrillation (AF), and a quarter of these people are unaware that they have AF. AHSN Network AF community has been formed, which aims to prevent an additional 4,500 strokes over the next five years.
1.4 million affected by atrial fibrillation (AF), quarter of these people are unaware that they have AF.
AF causes an irregular or abnormally fast heart rate- increases risk of stroke by up to five times, with about 12,500 strokes per year directly attributed to AF.
Recognising and receiving proper treatment is important because these strokes more severe, with survival rate of 50% per cent and a risk of increased disability among survivors.
AHSN Network AF community formed, aims to prevent 4,500 strokes over the next five years. The charity sector is a key partner in this, as they work closely with residents who suffer from AF.
Programmes of work-
GP collaboration- 50 practices- Don’t wait to anti-coagulate programme.
Public Campaigns/events- with charities, providers, health watch, SCN-raising awareness/ clinical buy in
NWC commissioning toolkit & Pathway- toolkit for treatment of AF & clinical pathway for high risk AF patients
NWC dashboard- a range of data sources that supports CCGs to have an overview of AF outcomes in their region
New medical tech- introduction of genotype guided dosing to establish the right does of whafarin- 1st in UK
Mobile technology- more than 35 different digital technologies to support the identification of AF

5. Results (12 Months) Nationally:
365 undiagnosed patients detected across 11 AHSNs
Equates to £8.5m savings to the NHS and social care
North West Coast Region
MyDiagnostick and Kardia
2000 pulses tested
60 abnormal pulses detected, reducing the likelihood of stroke
Saving £24,000 per person (potential saving £1 million pa)
Results- read national and local
Devices
MyDiagnostick -stick-shaped, hand-held ECG recorder -detects AF using a clincal algorithm
metallic handles at both ends -held for one minute as indicators flash at the rhythm of the heartbeat.
green indicator -no AF was detected, red warning the detection of an episode of AF.
stores 100 high-quality ECG's retrieved through an USB connection by healthcare professionals
Kardia Mobile ECG same prinvipoels to detect AF
fits to the back of most moble devices, it communicates wirelessly meaning health professionals and consumers can track heart health instantly.

6. Managing Dysphagia: Teleswallowing
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) precipitates a range of conditions
Effects include
Poor rehabilitation
Hospital admittance
Longer hospital stays
Reduced quality of life
Teleswallowing allows immediate, remote video assessment and treatment
Used by Speech and Language Therapists
Efficient clinical tool adopted in Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS FT
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) may precipitate aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, poor rehabilitation, hospital admittance, increased hospital stay and reduced quality of life.
Dysphagia, prevalent among the elderly, particularly following a stroke and in end stage dementia, is common among care home residents.
Teleswallowing is an innovative use of telemedicine. Speech and Language Therapists can rapidly and accurately assess a care home resident’s ability to swallow remotely, via video, and has proved a highly efficient clinical tool in Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS FT

7. Teleswallowing Results
100% diagnostic accuracy for diet and fluid modification compared to bedside assessment
Annual cost efficiency
79.5% reduction in cost per patient compared to home visits
66% reduction in time taken assessing each patient compared to home visits
50% reduction in time taken assessing each patient compared to hospital bedside assessment
Improved response time to referrals
Quality service for patients and care homes

8. Sources of Further Information
AHSN Atlas of Solutions in healthcare. Using portable technology to detect and prevent strokes. Available at: and-prevent-strokes-2/ Bert Vaes, Silke Stalpaert, K aren Tavernier, Britt Thaels, Daphne Lapeire, Wilfried Mullens and Jan Degryse. The diagnostic accuracy of the MyDiagnostick to detect atrial fibrillation in primary care. Available at: Dr Elizabeth Boaden. Service Evaluation Report. prepared for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Speech and Language Therapy Department. Available at: