Data scientists across the globe are taking advantage of the latest AI techniques and advances in genetics to create novel solutions to the health challenges of ageing populations. A report on AI & Ageing by the Institution of Engineering and Technology highlights the ways in which AI is being used to improve the ageing process.  It calls on the government to take advantage of this opportunity to make the UK a world leader in AI health technology.

It turns out, in October and November, Mr Martyn Day - Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Health and Social Care) and member of the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, tabled parliamentary questions to government on behalf of the IET.  Below you will find the responses to each of the questions: 

Question 1:

“To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will set up a National Institute for AI and Ageing as recommended in a recent report by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.”

Answer:

“The NHS Artificial Intelligence Laboratory is addressing aging in a multi-disciplinary, cross-sector approach. The Laboratory is contributing to a range of projects, including identifying whether artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to detect the earlier onset of Parkinson's disease to enable a proactive approach to care; funding a range of ethics focused research projects to identify how all demographic groups can benefit from AI; and deploying imaging technologies which can detect the prevalence of conditions such as osteoporosis.”

Question 2:

“To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much funding his Department has provided to research and development on understanding the potential merits of using AI technology to support people as they age.”

Answer:

“The NHS Artificial Intelligence Laboratory has invested more than £100 million to support testing and evaluation of 77 technologies through its Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award. The Award was established in 2020 and the funding is available for four years.”

Question 3:

“To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to integrate AI technology into the health system.”

Answer:

“The NHS Artificial Intelligence Laboratory was established in 2019 to accelerate the safe, ethical and effective adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in health and social care. It is funding research into testing 77 of most promising AI technologies through its Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award. These technologies are being tested in 65 hospitals, supporting more than 200,000 patients. The Laboratory is funding a multi-agency advisory service to streamline the regulatory pathway and research with the Health Foundation, to ensure AI meets safety and ethical standards. The Laboratory is also working with Health Education England to increase confidence in AI in the National Health Service workforce.”

Question 4:

“To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the UK maximises the potential merits of the role AI and future technology in helping people to live well in later life.”

Answer:

“Through its Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award, the NHS Artificial Intelligence Laboratory is funding research into testing of leading AI imaging and diagnostic technologies, which could provide faster cancer and stroke diagnoses. Other technologies funded through the Award can assist with managing health conditions such as heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at home and reduce regular hospital visits.”
 
Question 5:

“To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has considered the potential merits of a universal system of online e-health records to support people as they age.”

Answer:

“NHS England’s Shared Care Records programme is developing a birth-to-death record.

Shared Care Records aggregate information on an individual’s care records and care plans from a range of providers of health and care services. This will be available to authorised professionals for direct care to that individual and to patients and their approved carers. We will enable patients and their approved carers to contribute specific information on what matters to them to reduce the need to repeat personal histories.

The programme is discussing opportunities to adopt a common approach with the devolved administrations using the International Patient Summary.”

Did you miss the opportunity to read our report?

Our latest report, Artificial Intelligence and Ageing - Machine learning for human health and longevity, seeks to answer fundamental questions about AI and ageing, describe the next tangible measures for adoption, and make policy recommendations to the UK Government. Finally, it compiles a collection of well picked, brief case studies from around the world to:

• Identify successful applications of AI and ageing in advancing population health goals, with a particular emphasis on accomplishments that would not have been achievable with older technologies.
• Examine various techniques to resolving common problems and draw applicable lessons.

 Download our free report to learn more: Artificial intelligence and ageing