Revolutionising healthcare: The crucial role of diagnostics in transforming the NHS
March 25, 2024 | HealthcareDiagnostics, HealthcareInnovation, NorthEastInnovation, diagnostics, healthcarecommunications
Amid the formidable challenges faced by the NHS, Onyx Health delve into the pivotal role of diagnostics in healthcare transformation, showcasing how collaboration, innovation, and patient-centric approaches are revolutionising healthcare delivery.
The NHS is under considerable pressure. Following the impact of the Covid pandemic and subsequent waiting list backlogs, the health service now faces considerable challenges with funding, staffing and access to services. However, amid these challenges, the role of diagnostics has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare delivery.
The lessons learned during the pandemic appear to have accelerated the integration of diagnostics into the core of healthcare systems. I wondered, do diagnostics hold the potential to revolutionise patient care, bringing about a new era in healthcare delivery?
To find out, I met with Mhairi Anderson, Operations Manager at Diagnostics North East, part of Newcastle Health Innovation Partners (NHIP), which is working to put the North East and our diagnostics expertise firmly on the map.
Mhairi explained: “Diagnostics North East (DxNE) was established in 2018, to recognise the incredible infrastructure and expertise we have in the region to support end-to-end diagnostic development. By working collaboratively, we have the potential to position and secure the North East as a leader in diagnostic development and health innovation. The covid pandemic showcased the vital role of diagnostics, in particular rapid, accurate and accessible testing, and our ability to work in a much more agile way to accelerate innovation. We want to continue to build on that momentum.”
It’s undeniable that the role of diagnostics has evolved significantly, and the pandemic underscored the need for a proactive and integrated approach. The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 diagnostic tests showcased the agility of the healthcare system in its response to the crisis.
Here in the North East, the Gateshead Lighthouse Lab was built, staffed and launched within six months, as part of the NHS Test and Trace programme. At its height, it could process up to 80,000 samples per day and created hundreds of jobs for local people. Although the lab and the national test and trace infrastructure have now been wound down, a sister lab which was created as part of the same investment has remained open and is going from strength to strength. The North East Innovation Lab (NEIL) – established to support the development and evaluation of new diagnostics at every stage of their life cycle – has attracted ongoing investment to continue work on assessing and validating the next generation of testing technology.
Since opening, NEIL has engaged with over 100 test developers from industry, academia, and the NHS, and worked on over 45 projects with 21 companies across the globe from the UK to the USA and China to Australia. In January 2024, the lab celebrated its 3rd anniversary, with its focus remaining on accelerating new, high-quality tests through the development pathway.
Technological advancements like genomics and AI empower healthcare professionals (HCPs) to identify genetic predispositions and biomarkers, facilitating personalised interventions. Telehealth and remote monitoring have accelerated the adoption of at-home diagnostic solutions, reflecting a broader trend towards patient-centric care since the pandemic.
With patients taking a more involved role in managing their health data, it is important to acknowledge the vital need for public and patient engagement, to involve and educate individuals and to encourage active participation and shared decision-making with their HCP.
There is a lot to think about when considering the impact of the additional or earlier diagnostics activities.
Mhairi explained: “Diagnostics has a big role to play in precision medicine – allowing us to make informed decisions on patient care making sure we treat the right people, at the right time and with the most effective medicines or therapies. In doing so, we can help to improve patients’ experiences of care, reduce the burden on the NHS, through effective patient triage and prioritisation, and help clinical staff to manage workloads and resources.
“However, the development of diagnostic tests is challenging. Developers must build robust portfolios of evidence to bring their products to market, support the adoption and use of their tests in clinical practice and demonstrate the value they add to the care pathway. Tests must also be rigorously evaluated and validated, to measure performance, ensure safety and make sure they’re accessible.
“Diagnostics North East is unique in its ability to support the full diagnostic development pathway, from discovery to development and evaluation, through to adoption and commercialisation of innovations. Our approach is to identify the unmet needs of our patient populations in diagnostics, and work collaboratively, across sectors (healthcare, academia and industry) to identify and co-create solutions, to accelerate the delivery of innovations to meet these needs.
“One of the fantastic things about the North East is our passion to make a difference. Working as part of the North East’s accredited Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC), known as Newcastle Health Innovation Partners, Diagnostics North East unites three leading organisations: The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Newcastle University and Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC), with a shared commitment to developing better diagnostics. By working together to remove silos, we have the potential to secure the North East as a leader in our field.”
Diagnostics North East is holding its annual conference on 19th April in Newcastle upon Tyne, themed “How can diagnostic innovation be the saviour of the NHS?”. To find out more about visit https://diagnosticsnortheast.org.uk/.
There is so much more to say regarding diagnostics. Contact me if you want to discuss how Onyx Health can help you communicate the impact of your diagnostic device to your audiences at swalton@onyxhealth.com.
Written by Sarah Walton, Account Director, Onyx Health
This content was provided by Onyx Health
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