InnovateEOE
InnovateEOE
By Dr Amitkumar Chougule
Digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) have become increasingly important in the field of healthcare, offering new opportunities to improve patient care and outcomes. While many clinicians understand the significance of digital health, they often struggle with how to begin their journey in this rapidly evolving field. This article aims to provide guidance and resources for clinicians who are absolute beginners and interested in digital health and AI, specifically in the UK NHS context.
Issues Faced by Majority of Clinicians When Starting in Digital Health:
The majority of doctors struggle with making sense of the digital world because, as doctors, we are accustomed to a structured curriculum. However, when entering the world of digital health and artificial intelligence, the lack of a structured curriculum can be daunting. Another challenge arises from the overwhelming amount of information available on the internet which can be highly technical and not tailored for busy clinicians. Moreover, there is a misconception among clinicians that qualifications or prior experience are prerequisites for starting a career in digital health. Fortunately, in my experience, the majority of professionals in this field are incredibly helpful and supportive. Given that digital health is a relatively new field, all you truly need to embark on this journey is passion and curiosity. However, I must admit that I faced challenges during the initial days. Looking back, I wish someone had shared the insights I have presented in this article at the start of my journey. It would have undoubtedly made the ride much smoother. I found the following resources particularly helpful in overcoming those initial obstacles.
Steps and Resources for Starting in Digital Health
To help you navigate the beginning of your digital health journey, here are some recommended resources that can be easily accessed through a Google search:
Step 4: Setting your goal
While navigating the digital health landscape, it is crucial to set clear goals. The vastness of the field and the absence of defined boundaries may lead to distractions and a lack of focus. Consider three potential goals:
- Leadership: With the growing demand for clinicians with digital health expertise, developing leadership skills in digital health can open up new opportunities within the NHS and the industry. Acquiring knowledge in digital health systems, management, health economics, and digital transformation can position you as a leader in the field.
- Research: The implementation of digital health solutions in clinical settings requires robust evidence. Clinicians with expertise in research and digital health play a crucial role in generating this evidence. Focus on a specific component of the digital health ecosystem and develop research skills to contribute to the evidence base. Keep in mind that traditional research methods may need adaptation to suit the unique challenges of digital health.
- Education: As you gain knowledge and experience in digital health, consider becoming an educator to bridge the gap between technology and clinical practice. Clinicians often grasp and apply tech innovations better when taught by fellow clinicians, using analogies and case studies relevant to their speciality and day-to-day practice.
In conclusion, the future holds great promise for clinicians who seek to acquire skills in digital health and if you are curious and interested in this field then it is essential to pursue your passion and engage in activities that align with your interests. This pursuit not only enriches your professional life but also serves as a powerful antidote against clinician burnout.
Disclaimer: I have no conflicts of interest.
Dr Amitkumar Chougule is a Digital Health and Entrepreneurship Fellow
Step 1: Get the Basics Right
Begin by taking introductory courses that provide a general overview of digital health and health informatics. Two courses that can help you establish a foundation are:
- Health informatics CPD course by Newcastle University
- Introduction to digital health by Imperial College London on Coursera.com
In addition, there are few must-reads that can deepen your understanding of digital health:
- The Doctor Will See You Now” by Dr. Eric Topol
- “Deep Medicine” by Dr Eric Topol
- The Topol Review “Preparing the healthcare workforce to deliver the digital future” An independent report on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, February 2019.
Step 2: Choose Your Special Interest
Once you have a broad understanding of digital health, it is crucial to narrow down your focus and choose a specific area of interest. As AI is a significant component of digital health, and there has been significant interest in this field, here are some resources worth exploring:
Courses:
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare by Stanford University on Coursera.com
- Machine Learning for Healthcare by Dr Chris Lovejoy
- Data science and AI courses by Innovation Scholars Program https://innovationscholars.er.kcl.ac.uk/training/
Certifications:
- Introductory and Advanced Educational Certification in AI in Medicine by the American Board of AI in Medicine
Special Interest Groups(SIG):
- Alan Turing Clinical AI Special Interest Group
- Alan Turing Data Science for Mental Health Special Interest Group
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine (CCAIM)
- Revolutionizing Healthcare Special Interest Group by Van der Schaar Labs, Cambridge
- AI Special Interest Group by Digital Health Ecosystem Wales
Summer Schools:
- Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine
- Alan Turing Clinical AI SIG Summer School
Network:
The NHS AI Lab Virtual Hub: A community space for people to interact and share knowledge and ideas about AI (artificial intelligence) technology in health and social care.
Step 3: Networking and hands on experience
Networking and hands-on experience in digital transformation are crucial to gaining an in-depth understanding of this field.
Fellowships:
- Bite Labs Healthtech and Innovation Fellowship
- Topol Digital Fellowship
Networks and CPD:
- CCIO (Chief Clinical Information Officer) Network on DigitalHealth.net
- Faculty of Clinical Informatics (FCI, UK)
- NHS Digital Academy: https://digital-transformation.hee.nhs.uk/digital-academy/programmes
Mentoring: Mentoring services can be accessed through:
- CCIO Network
- Faculty of Clinical Informatics
NHS Trust’s Digital Transformation Boards and Innovation Hubs: You will find at least one of your consultants collaborating with these boards in your trust. Consider contacting them and check if there are any opportunities to shadow or gain experience in digital transformation activities of the trust. It’s important to note that they do not expect clinicians to provide immediate solutions or have vast experience in this field. Instead, they may take a genuine interest in understanding the challenges faced by clinicians on the frontline.
Step 4: Setting your goal
While navigating the digital health landscape, it is crucial to set clear goals. The vastness of the field and the absence of defined boundaries may lead to distractions and a lack of focus. Consider three potential goals:
- Leadership: With the growing demand for clinicians with digital health expertise, developing leadership skills in digital health can open up new opportunities within the NHS and the industry. Acquiring knowledge in digital health systems, management, health economics, and digital transformation can position you as a leader in the field.
- Research: The implementation of digital health solutions in clinical settings requires robust evidence. Clinicians with expertise in research and digital health play a crucial role in generating this evidence. Focus on a specific component of the digital health ecosystem and develop research skills to contribute to the evidence base. Keep in mind that traditional research methods may need adaptation to suit the unique challenges of digital health.
- Education: As you gain knowledge and experience in digital health, consider becoming an educator to bridge the gap between technology and clinical practice. Clinicians often grasp and apply tech innovations better when taught by fellow clinicians, using analogies and case studies relevant to their speciality and day-to-day practice.
In conclusion, the future holds great promise for clinicians who seek to acquire skills in digital health and if you are curious and interested in this field then it is essential to pursue your passion and engage in activities that align with your interests. This pursuit not only enriches your professional life but also serves as a powerful antidote against clinician burnout.
Disclaimer: I have no conflicts of interest.
Dr Amitkumar Chougule is a Digital Health and Entrepreneurship Fellow