Sociology-technical change and its impact on NHS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The use of Questionnaires to determine Sociology-technical change and its impact on the healthcare system
IRAS ID
332811
Contact name
Shabnam Sadeghi Esfahlani
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Anglia Ruskin University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
ETH2223-60, Institution Ethics Number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 14 days
Research summary
This study, a hybrid of proof-of-concept exploration and socio-technical analysis, is rooted in the healthcare environment. Our goal is to grasp physicians, healthcare providers, and patient's needs and perceptions towards intelligent systems and discern strategies to alleviate clinical burdens. The healthcare sector is currently grappling with substantial challenges in this transformative era, not least of which is clinician burnout. This issue has dramatically escalated in the wake of the pandemic. Our study targets understanding socio-technical changes, particularly the incorporation of AI and robotics in healthcare systems (such as general practices, clinics, hospitals and A&E departments). We aspire to bolster patient care by accelerating diagnostic accuracy and treatments across varied professions, cutting healthcare costs, and expanding clinical capacity.
The fundamental proposal of our idea is to harness robotics and artificial intelligence in creating a 'smart hospital'. This initiative aims to enhance the patient experience and treatment outcomes, cultivate personalised care, facilitate equitable healthcare workflow, and reduce clinician workload.
To gather insightful perspectives, we plan to engage the staff of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust from the South East of England. This engagement will help us better understand the present healthcare system and ascertain viable areas for change.
The research will employ qualitative methods for data analysis. The insights gathered will be instrumental in designing and developing an innovative solution for submission to the 'Invention for Innovation' program by the National Institute for Health Research (https://www.nihr.ac.uk/explore-nihr/funding-programmes/invention-for-innovation.htm), specifically for "Competition 26". The deadline for stage one submission is February 2024.
The project idea revolves around creating and integrating an Automated Registry Machine (ARM) within inpatient care sites and A&E departments of hospitals. The ARM is designed to establish prediction models and decision support systems that can bolster digital transformation and connectivity, streamline workflows, and optimise processes. The proposed solution utilises cutting-edge technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Robotics.REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0947
Date of REC Opinion
19 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion