)
)
We're in the final stretch of the first quarter of the year and what a busy few months it's been!
From preparing for The BMJ Future Health South Asia conference later this month to securing expert speakers for our upcoming webinars, our team has been working hard to bring you the most value possible.
Shall we take a look at what’s ahead?
- Designing inclusive and trusted digital health services with people and communities.
As healthcare becomes more digital, it's crucial to create solutions that address the diverse needs of patients and healthcare teams to reduce disparities and improve outcomes. The King’s Fund has highlighted key steps to ensure better user engagement for meaningful progress. - Why professional networks are vital to healthcare innovation.
A study from Imperial’s Centre for Health Economics and Policy Innovation highlights that clinicians’ professional networks are essential in adopting new practices. Doctors who engage with peers are more likely to implement innovative procedures, with experienced clinicians influencing others. - UK healthcare sector falling behind on AI adoption
The UK healthcare sector lags in AI adoption, with 73% of healthcare professionals never using AI at work due to fear of errors, lack of confidence, and limited awareness of AI's potential. Proper training is key to boosting confidence and encouraging AI adoption to help reduce burnout and manage workloads.
Q&A: Dr Chris Paton, BMJ Digital Health & AI, Editor-in-Chief
- Hi Chris, tell us about BMJ Digital Health & AI and your plans for the journal in its first years?
With this journal, I’m aiming that we publish a range of high-impact articles addressing the need for robust evaluation and scientific assessment of digital health technologies used in healthcare (including AI systems), and become a destination for authors and researchers working in this space. - Why is now the right time to launch this journal?
Healthcare is rapidly adopting digital technologies and there is an urgent need to assess and regulate the safety and effectiveness of any tools that can be used to influence patient care. For example, new AI systems can spot cancers and make risk assessments, and that could reshape care, and have a huge impact for patients and those who treat them. For that reason, these tools should be rigorously evaluated, - Who is this journal aimed at and why should they read it?
If we’re talking specialties, I think the topics we’re discussing are going to be relevant to a wide range of clinicians, but I think those working in General Practice, Radiology, Cardiology and public health – as well as secondary specialties like Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery – are going to really see the benefit as technology moves these areas forward. - What are your views on the potential global impact of research published in BMJ Digital Health & AI; where is this research going to be most valuable?
I think the topics we’ll be publishing on have relevance to clinicians globally. Digital health isn’t going to be limited by geographical boundaries, and research on its efficacy and safety is going to be valuable everywhere.
- “To tell you the truth I’m tired”: a qualitative exploration of the experiences of ethnically diverse NHS staff.
This qualitative study explored the experiences of ethnically diverse NHS staff, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for cultural change and better support Key themes included discrimination, lack of support from line managers, and challenges in speaking out due to safety concerns or exhaustion. - Potential applications and implications of large language models in primary care.
LLMs can enhance decision-making, reduce administrative tasks, and empower patients, but concerns about privacy, data bias, and accuracy remain. The article offers guidance for primary care clinicians on the benefits, risks, and key considerations when adopting LLM technology in practice. - Transforming global health: decoloniality and the human condition.
Instead of blaming colonialism alone for injustices, it is important to recognise universal human tendencies, like the desire for power, which contribute to oppression. Combining decoloniality with an understanding of our shared humanity is crucial for a more equitable global health system.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS:
SHARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY