ABHI’s Need to Know Newsletter #3: Diagnostics

Welcome to the second edition of ABHI’s Need to Know Newsletter for Diagnostics! We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting innovations, healthcare developments, and what to expect for 2024 to help businesses understand what is going on in their industry.

Empowering Patients and Improving NHS Efficiency through Diagnostics Test Innovations.

Diagnostics test waiting times impact NHS efficiency significantly. A recent study by the Patients Association found that 90% of respondents expressed frustration over the lack of straightforward access to tests, and more than 60% expressed a willingness to pay for diagnostic tests if NHS resources are stretched.

At-home diagnostic tests are a potential solution, with the same survey finding 60% of respondents were open to the concept. This survey underscores patients' general willingness to take proactive steps towards their health, and aligns with our advocacy for the wider implementation of these technologies.

Amidst a background of NHS backlogs and delays, it is not surprising that the study highlights patient preferences for at-home testing, citing the convenience demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over three-quarters express willingness to self-test, while over half advocate integrating artificial intelligence to expedite diagnosis and alleviate NHS pressures - which should be taken as good news for organisations developing solutions in this space.

Through advocacy and collaboration with industry leaders, we strive to promote innovative solutions that enhance accessibility and efficiency in diagnostic testing. If you'd like to learn more, please contact ABHI’s Executive Director, Diagnostics, Nishan Sunthares.

Championing Early Diagnosis: A Vision of Enhanced Healthcare Outcomes with Diagnostics

At a recent private health insurance industry event, we emphasised the critical role of early diagnosis in shaping health outcomes.

Early diagnosis significantly impacts survival rates for a wide range of diseases, and particularly in breast and bowel cancer cases. Rapid pathogen identification also empowers early intervention, reducing the risks of severe complications like sepsis.

With the proliferation of early diagnostics technology, the potential benefits have never been greater, making the year ahead a vital time for businesses in this space.

Our initiatives in 2024 will build upon collaborations with the NHS cancer programme to enhance early detection rates. Stakeholder engagements validated the pivotal role of diagnostic information in personalised treatment strategies, driving our efforts to expand access to genomic and precise diagnostic testing.

Integrating AI-based imaging and digital diagnostics heralds a new frontier in diagnosis, and through partnerships with the AI Lab and key stakeholders, we streamline the adoption of AI tools, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and outcomes.

Through the ABHI Diagnostics group, we embrace a multi-modality approach, leveraging industry connections and engaged members to shape the future of diagnostics. If you would like to learn more about how ABHI can champion your diagnostics business, read our 2024 Look Ahead blog here.

Accelerating Early Diagnostics with a Sponge on a String

Innovation can manifest in a wide variety of ways. Although few would expect a sponge on a string to be a key example of this.

We have long been advocating for the benefits of diagnostics technologies in general practices, and a recent innovative technique has demonstrated exactly the effectiveness of these technologies for patients and practices.

Of course, the technology is far more advanced than simply a "sponge on a string", and is showing great results in identifying Barrett's oesophagus, a precursor to oesophageal cancer. This innovation expedites diagnostics, and helps to address the prolonged wait times faced by patients in need of crucial tests.

With nearly eight out of ten patients able to bypass the endoscopy waiting list through cytosponge assessment, the impact of early diagnostics on patients and practice efficiency is undeniable, and something we must see more of in the NHS.

If you want to learn more about how ABHI actively champions early diagnostics advancements, visit our resource hub for articles such as our early diagnostics position paper.