Digital Catalyst

Digital catalyst

The application of digital solutions has the potential to transform the sector and deliver rapid advances in the research, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of health conditions and to produce better outcomes for patients, clinicians and researchers.

Opportunities include how data is gathered and shared in real time and the use of tech in clinical and community settings.

North east Scotland has recognised strengths in health data science in NHS Grampian and the University of Aberdeen, with potential for innovation and commercialisation.

AI Fracture Diagnosis Project

Opportunity North East (ONE) and the Scottish Government co-funded a landmark project to develop artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to support fracture diagnosis in hospitals – a project which saw £240,000 invested in innovative data technology. Five organisations were shortlisted for the first phase from a field of 40 applicants through a two-phase Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition, supported by Innovate UK. They each completed a feasibility study to create AI or machine learning algorithms to interpret data from wrist and ankle radiographs to diagnose fractures in accident and emergency departments. They worked alongside NHS Grampian, the University of Aberdeen, and Canon Medical Research Europe. Two organisations - Bering and See AI - progressed to the second phase of the programme – prototype development and testing.

By harnessing the expertise of clinicians and industry, the project developed innovative AI solutions which will help clinicians to make quicker patient diagnoses and treatment decisions and enhance patient care.