Kent and Canterbury Hospital has taken a pioneering step in the fight against infections by introducing an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that can identify potential infections in patients at an early stage. MEMORI, developed in collaboration with Sanome, is the first NHS trust to adopt this technology, which uses existing patient data to generate a 'memory score' indicating their risk of developing an infection.
The AI system analyses clinical information such as blood tests, temperature, and medication records, providing healthcare professionals with valuable insights. Ward manager Julie Jones praises the tool for freeing up time for staff to focus on direct patient care, rather than spending hours sifting through notes. This shift in priorities is particularly important, as research suggests that human interaction plays a crucial role in preventing hospital-acquired infections.
This initiative aligns with the NHS 10-year plan's vision of transitioning from traditional analogue systems to digital ones and harnessing AI for better patient care. MEMORI has been fully licensed as a healthcare device, indicating its readiness for clinical use. A diverse team of staff across East Kent, including nurses, consultants, and therapists, were involved in the development process to ensure seamless integration with existing practices.
Dr. Mike Bedford, Chief Clinical Information Officer at EKHUFT, sees this collaboration as a vital step towards improving patient care. While MEMORI's initial focus is on predicting hospital-acquired infections, the trust plans to expand its use to achieve further advancements in patient care. Both Dr. Bedford and Sanome founder Benedikt van Thüngen stress that AI should augment human staff, not replace them. Notably, 85% of clinicians are already using MEMORI daily, highlighting its potential in streamlining workflows and enabling quicker treatment decisions.
The introduction of digital innovations like MEMORI marks a significant shift towards enhancing efficiency and patient safety within the NHS. By automating data analysis, the aim is to free up healthcare professionals' time for more meaningful interactions with patients, ultimately benefiting both individuals and hospital operations.