A UK based Digital Healthcare SME established in 2018 are currently developing a clinical decision support software that standardises clinical pathways and nursing workflows within hospital wards, consolidates nursing documentation and uses Machine Learning (ML) to create electronic wards and safer hospital care. The SME currently have a minimum viable product (MVP) in place and are seeking a software development partner under a commercial agreement with technical assistance to further develop the product.

The partner sought will have experience in developing healthcare systems, preferably Electronic Patient Record (EPR) platforms. This will accelerate the process, prevent mistakes and allow existing operational knowledge of healthcare organisations. In addition to this, deep knowledge of healthcare system regulations is crucial, to ensure full compliance.

The system will be able to operate as an independent system, or as an integrated module within existing Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems. Therefore, interoperability protocols and expertise are essential. Artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) knowledge will enhance the system and generate new knowledge. Additionally, testing of AI/ML has demonstrated its potential to ease the burden on staff and free them up for other work.

Potential AI/ML applications within the system include:
• Predictive texting for clinicians’ notes.
• Patient-completed questionnaires and AI checking of odd/unexpected answers.
• Order of dropdown-items based on possibility from previous completions (most possible first).
• Automatic completion of specific fields based on other completions within the care plan.
• Observation chart identification of false alerts
• Identifications of deteriorating observation trends, alerts and links with health conditions/procedures.
The system will also use blockchain or similar technology, which is ideal for patient-data digital solutions, as it allows digital information to be distributed but not copied, and whilst it relies on it being in one location, it is available from different sources. It will provide flexibility, security, and connectivity between different teams and healthcare providers. Security is paramount, and blockchain includes measures such as encryption, strong client authentication and auditing to keep healthcare transactions and information secure.

A commercial partner with technical assistance is required to accelerate the development of the system. The desired partner will have experience in developing healthcare systems (ERP) and will also have expertise in AI/ML development. The initial focus of the partnership will be developing the first version of the product, following on from this the UK based SME are keen to conduct a pilot study with the product in a healthcare setting.
Advantages and innovation
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
• Experience in developing healthcare systems, preferably Electronic Patient Record (EPR) platforms.
• Software development expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Knowledge of healthcare system regulations to ensure full compliance.