Elly Yates-Roberts |
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has partnered with Microsoft to develop artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that will provide safer and more personalised care.
The London-based hospital is collaborating with Microsoft on an Industry Exchange Network which provides computer science students with the opportunity to use Microsoft technologies to respond to healthcare briefs from GOSH. The proof of concept outputs will then be tested by the hospital with the aim of being introduced on a wider scale.
The AI partnership was launched at Microsoft’s recent ‘Leading transformation with AI’ event in London, UK.
“As one of the world’s leading children’s research hospitals, we want to harness new technology, including AI, to deliver even better care and an enhanced patient experience,” said Peter Steer, chief executive at GOSH, at the launch event. “As data analytics becomes increasingly important in healthcare delivery we want to ensure we have the right tools to provide the care that is more personalised and more effective. This is particularly important as the patients we treat have some of the most complex and rare diseases.”
A range of projects are currently underway through the Industry Exchange Network and are due to be tested by the GOSH team. These solutions include the use of microphones, cameras and AI transcription to analyse environmental data during complex procedures to determine best practice and aid learning.
“This powerful partnership between GOSH and Microsoft is a potential game-changer for healthcare,” said Neil Sebire, chief research information officer at GOSH. “It brings together academic and clinical expertise to be leveraged by the capabilities of Microsoft with the singular aim of improving healthcare for children. Microsoft’s AI tools, platforms and emphasis on security and ethics, will empower GOSH to help even more children and young people to fulfil their potential.”
GOSH is also leveraging the partnership with Microsoft to introduce other initiatives that will enhance the patient experience. These include using Minecraft to help children to familiarise themselves with the hospital, including meeting patients and staff, before they are admitted. Microsoft and GOSH have also worked with Magic Light Pictures to bring The Gruffalo augmented reality app to the National Health Service.
“We have reached a significant moment in time where AI has started to fundamentally transform healthcare delivery, yet we are still at the beginning of this exciting journey,” said Cindy Rose, CEO, Microsoft UK. “This AI-driven healthcare revolution will present the NHS with countless opportunities and we are thrilled to be working with some of Great Ormond Street Hospital’s brightest minds to explore how our extensive range of AI technologies can greatly enhance the patient experience and improve the outcome of clinical procedures for children visiting the hospital.”