The Alzheimer’s Society has announced the first cohort of innovations selected for its launchpad programme, supporting tools such as an immersive reminiscence platform, an interactive memory playback app, and a tool to predict and prevent people experiencing distress.
Aiming to address challenges connected to hospitalisation for those living with dementia, applicants selected for the programme will reportedly benefit from the charity’s support to liaise with experts and those affected by dementia, giving them the opportunity to “test and validate” their ideas. These ideas will add to 16 existing products the society has already co-produced or accelerated, which have “reached more than 100,000 people affected by dementia”, it states.
Innovations include an immersive reminiscence platform and the remote monitoring of activities in a person’s home to help those in the early stages of dementia; an interactive memory playback app enhanced by AI and a platform for advice and guidance supported by AI to help carers; a financial technology tool designed to support power of attorney decisions; an app which predicts and prevents people experiencing dementia-related distress; and a platform offering simulation training for health and social care workers “to enhance communication and interpersonal skills”.
The programme is part of the Alzheimer’s Society’s wider innovation work, with other programmes including its accelerator programme, which offers up to £100,000 of investment and business support to those developing products and services to tackle dementia-related issues; and the Longitude Prize on Dementia, a “challenge-prize” aiming to support the creation of tech-based tools co-created with those in the early stages of dementia.
Simon Lord, head of innovation for the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We know that hospitalisation can be a huge challenge for people with dementia, with unplanned hospital admissions making up almost a third of all dementia healthcare costs. That’s why I am delighted to unveil our Launchpad cohort who are determined to address this.”
Digital innovation in tackling key challenges around health
For a recent panel discussion on the topic of health tech and innovation for the future, we were joined by a panel of experts and digital leaders from across health and care, who shared their perspectives and insights around fostering a culture of innovation, overcoming challenges, nurturing ideas, and more. Joining us to share their views were Dr Penny Kechagioglou, chief clinical information officer and deputy chief medical officer at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire; James Driver, digital innovation manager at Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB; and Dan Johnston, associate CNIO and director of clinical operations for Imprivata.
Earlier this year, we were also joined by a panel of experts to discuss the role of digital in supporting NHS reform – modernising services, shifting from hospital to community, and supporting the move from reactive to proactive care. Panel members shared their insight and experience from a wide range of digital projects, highlighting what worked well and their learnings; how their organisations are currently tackling key challenges such as capacity and demand, and managing waiting lists; and balancing risk with innovation. We welcomed Dawn Greaves, associate director of digital transformation at Leeds Community Healthcare; Ananya Datta, associate director of primary care digital delivery at South East London ICS; and Stuart Stocks, lead enterprise architect with Aire Logic.
In March, a panel discussion looked at advancing patient engagement with communication tech and patient portals, with experts including Jothi Vasan-O’Leary, medical information officer and outpatient clinical lead (GIRFT) at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton; Daniel Parkinson, digital IT project manager at Leeds Teaching Hospitals; Sally Mole, senior digital programme manager – digital portfolio delivery team at The Dudley Group; and Emma Stratful, chief operating officer at OX.DH. Our panellists, discussed adoption, engagement, the use of AI and automation technologies, functionality and the future role of patient portals and communication tech in tackling NHS challenges.
