Technologies for better treatment in Healthcare

Technologies for better treatment in Healthcare

Introduction A total of 13 people came to the event at Assisted Living Leeds on the 10th September to consider the development of two future models for technology, one a new method for screening blood in stools and the other on monitoring people following a hospital discharge. The feedback has been summarised under the key themes that emerged during the session: 1. Involving People in developing technology How to inform and involve people early and offer opportunities for on-going involvement are important considerations There are existing groups and communities that may have more of an interest than the general population, for example people already involved in the service user group for Leeds Independent Living Centre How can I assist in the development of technologies in healthcare? It is good for presenters or information to outline how those taking part can influence or track progress How much input at earlier stage development exists for patients/ users it was felt to be very important that new developments could demonstrate early involvement How to include people s voice and experience from the beginning and throughout the technology development process to ensure it is fit for purpose, offering the opportunity to take part widely both as current patients and people more widely (examples of products that were not widely acceptable to the population discussed here)

2. Ideas for product development: Bowel Health consider a product that would be more suitable and not as messy to all age groups than the current NHS screening tool Present system does not have a very high uptake because it s not pleasant to carry out? For some with limited mobility it may be difficult? Dementia sufferers cannot follow instructions. We understand easy read is available but has to be requested. Would a good principle be to follow easy read principles for all general leaflets and information? Environmental factors like temperature should be considered if products can be used in a variety of settings example of liquid becoming too thick in colder temperature Age related research - what is ok and acceptable at 25 may not at 85, there should be a choice Monitoring the proposed device could be used more widely than at hospital discharge, may have links to current remote telehealth and different circumstances like end of life care. It is important that anything new is as adaptable as possible How quickly will these technology developments be introduced into the mainstream, what are the best ways to keep us informed as interested people, both patients and the wider public? Patient monitoring can provide useful data and bring about changes. Collect as much data as possible and analyse. Patient monitoring system- may show a need in some conditions/circumstances but not others. It is important to define the people who benefit and those who should be excluded because of other conditions, ability, anxiety etc. Any system referring the client back to a call centre point must ensure that the patient gets straight through to a person

able to deal with their history, the approach required a central call-back, assessment and referral point. The patient monitoring system is seen as beneficial to patients and reduce anxiety and uncertainty after discharge. The potential to pick up situations which require intervention before they reach emergency level. 3. Feedback There was a lot of interest in developing technology, how it is tested, delivered to patients and how feedback is managed to inform future developments Feedback should include what was done, why, what was learnt, what changes/improvements result from this learning and importantly, feedback implementation of change and evidence of its impact. How will I/we receive feedback? How has my input been used from today? This should always be a key part of any engagement 4. Training and user information: If and when new equipment is introduced will there be the appropriate training courses accessible to users and their carers? How much of the user information and training can be trialled before wider implementation? Will there be adequate services and support to maintain equipment and to cope with problems? Is there a helpline or a clear feedback mechanism? There was a discussion about general feedback opportunities for people to share their experiences, problems and ideas for improvement in future models. The possibility of Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) having a

scheme similar to the yellow card scheme in medicine was raised 5. Future of Technology More information regarding medical technology and possible developments was welcomed People were keen to know about and contribute to innovation and influencing in the future Acceptable systems and tests have great potential. Easier and less invasive screening will result in a greater compliance with the procedure How can technology improve people healthcare outcomes? Interest in what other plans and ideas are being developed 6. Funding and resources Early involvement and coproduction should be promoted in both research and commercial communities as it is likely to contribute to better uptake and understanding of new technologies. It is important for participants to understand the background, the reasons for developing new technology, the benefits and possible links or developments There does need to be systematic ways to collect feedback on the effective functioning of equipment or technology on an on-going basis. Some of those roles could be through the commissioners and funders but manufacturers too need to provide opportunities as this could improve future models and feedback 7. Other questions and issues raised: How does the walking exercises element of activity monitoring affect wheelchair users?

As a service user I have an idea for an App, but don t have the time, money or know how to be able to develop it myself. Where do I go? What can genetic screening do? We want to learn more about what is out there now, how do we find out easily? Discovering what might be relevant to older people matters to me, there needs to be options for people who are not good with technology To learn new things is good and interesting Reflections and next steps: This was a pilot that brought together, Tanya Matilainen, Healthwatch Leeds Director, Colin Mawhinney and Stephen Young, from Leeds Health Partnerships, as well as Professor David Jayne and Dr Neville Young from the National Institute of Health Research Colorectal Therapies HTC, together with people from across Leeds. This was an opportunity to think of how working together with local people we can improve the development and acceptability of medical assistive technology. The session was interactive and the discussion lively. Everyone present agreed that further engagement, both on a sessional and possibly with some product to see, on an on-going basis was of benefit. There were a number of suggestions and options from the participants that informed the developers of potential options that they may not have considered before the engagement. In one case it has lead to a product to be completely redeveloped. This event provided re-imbursement for travel and support where pre-agreed and a raffle for shopping vouchers. The option for paid participation was discussed and felt to be particularly appropriate where there was longer term involvement in the development of a product or actual testing of an application.

There was a recognised need for easier feedback and information sharing mechanisms for medical technology. Feedback was felt to be important, this report will be shared with the participants of the event but people would also welcome opportunities to subscribe to a newsletter style update of future developments and opportunities.

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