Abstract / Description
The project consists of multiple components. The first component focuses on how new technology, in particular, telemedicine and AI which is transforming how Moorfields’ services are being provided to visually-impaired patients at the organisational frontline. In particular, the researchers are investigating the rapid and unprecedented adoption of video consultations in innovating ophthalmic services during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how emerging risks during a crisis shape service innovation at organisational frontlines. The implications of such rapid adaptations for Moorfields’ future service provision and business models post-COVID are also being considered.
Beyond this, the team is also working with Moorfields’ digital service hub to explore how other technologies – especially surrounding telemedicine – will shape the design and built environment of the future smart hospital. Digital technologies will be able to help clinicians provide better, more accurate, efficient and cost-effective care for patients, and inform the purpose-built hospital space with a new approach to service delivery. This will include developing new ways to support the satellites of different centres that work with Moorfields.
Finally, the project also explores how these transformations will necessitate a service transition effort impacting the user journey of the future. The research team is working with stakeholders at the Moorfields building-in-the-making to determine how best to deploy digital technologies to support staff and patients, and how the shift to the uptake of digital technologies around telemedicine and AI will impact Moorfields’ service provision. Such changes will also impact the ecosystem of care providers and lead to new responsibilities and roles being formed. Additionally, researchers aim to increase collaboration between younger, smaller start-ups and larger, more established companies up the value chain. Specifically, in focussing on the transitioning service journey for the visually impaired, researchers will build upon engagement between NHS Moorfields Eye Hospital and smaller, innovative companies with expertise in mobile-based AI and indoor/visual tracking – such as WayMap and Navvis – to aid patients’ navigation to and within the future hospital building. This aspect of the research may also offer a route to connect with Digital Twins.