Staffordshire’s health and social care system will be increasingly supported by artificial intelligence, remote consultations and even robots in the future, says Dr Richard Harling.
The county’s public health leader is calling for a debate on the increasing use of technology in providing health and social care for the county’s ageing population. Discussing his annual report Dr Harling, Staffordshire County Council’s Director for Health and Care, said that digital technologies offered the NHS and social care providers an opportunity to do things differently.
He said: “Digital technologies offer an opportunity to do things differently, enabling people to take more control of their health and wellbeing and reduce dependence on health and care services, as well as changing how those services are organised.
“A decade ago it was inconceivable for most people that banks would disappear from the High Street, but now we manage our account on our phones, while decisions on loans and overdrafts are taken instantly by computer algorithms. In many cases there’s no reason why people can’t manage their own health through the use of technology – preventing problems and reducing demand on frontline services at the same time as staying healthier for longer.”
Ways technology is already helping include:
- Smartphone apps to stop smoking, or manage weight loss, alcohol consumption and physical activity;
- Patients using apps to help manage conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are reducing symptoms – and saving the NHS thousands of pounds;
- Helping mums-to-be with diabetes self-monitor glucose levels without attending clinics. Results are monitored by healthcare professionals who keep in touch by text message.
- The NHS app can be used for advice on symptoms, booking GP appointments and ordering repeat prescriptions.
- Between now and 2029 the number of over-65s in Staffordshire is expected to increase by almost a fifth. And although the county’s average life expectancy is 80 years for men and 83 for women, it’s calculated that on average ill-health begins at the age of 63 and 64 respectively.
Alan White, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, and Cabinet member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, added: “It’s not uncommon for people to live for 15-to-20 years with one or more long term conditions, many of which are preventable, or could be delayed.
“Traditional health and care services are not really set up to cope with increasing number of people with multiple long-term conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and if we can use technology where appropriate so people can help themselves it benefits them and the health system at the same time.”
Technology being assessed includes offering information and advice through smartphones, tablets and voice-activated devices; text, audio and video consultation with health professionals; the use of artificial intelligence in taking everyday decisions; and the possibility of care robots working alongside human carers.
