‘Creative Destruction’ – How Has The Coronavirus Impacted Health Tech In The NHS?
Medical tech start-ups have claimed how the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a phase of transition for the NHS; an area which has been slow to changes, much like the law sector.
DrDoctor is a health technology start-up which decided to focus all its energy in helping the NHS fight the pandemic. It automates bookings, cancellations and referrals. Mr. Whicher, a co-founder of the app, told the Financial Times that he has never seen the NHS move so quickly. He emphasised how “Hospitals are on the front foot… being really proactive and taking the change management into their own hands”. Other start-up founders are also rapidly adapting their platforms to respond to this crisis such as Hospify, a GDPR compliant messaging service for healthcare professionals and Patchwork, an app allowing healthcare workers to access flexible shifts to fill vacancies.
The NHSX is the branch in-charge of digital, data and tech for the National Health Service. Matthew Gould the Chief Executive stated that they are committed to rolling out solutions “within weeks” and that “tech can play an important role in helping the country deal with challenges created by the coronavirus”.
Dr Anilkumar Kallil, who Is the Chair of the Thurrock CCG and a practicing GP stated that “the use of innovative technologies has always been something doctors seek to do. However, it is during this pandemic in which I have seen the most amount of developments in the use of medical tech”. He further added that most of his appointments are now virtually done (In order to minimise the spread of Covid-19) – either by telephone consultation or video consultation using various apps. He stated, “It is likely that most consultations will now be remote and with the use of technology and this will last even after the pandemic has ended”.
What are the legal challenges?
These applications and any new software will need to first be qualified as a medical device with a CE label and then also comply with GDPR rules, just as Hospify is doing. Whilst these are all EU laws. It will still need to be adhered to within the UK during the 1-year transition period and possibly even after if Parliament decides to keep the law.
Schumpeter’s theory of creative destruction
The economist Schumpeter argued that the ‘gales of creative destruction’ were an essential fact of capitalism. This means new products and markets will constantly emerge and sweep away old institutions – this is the result of new competition coming into the market.
John Thornhill from the FT mentions that this can also apply to ideas and institutions. He cites the historian Joel Mokyr’s opinion and contemplates the idea that this global pandemic could unleash a new wave of creative destruction of old institutions and ideas, by form of a technological revolution. Subsequently, the apps previously mentioned such as Patchwork and Hospify are seeing increases in demand. Thus, it can be confidently said that this pandemic will create lasting changes, with a greater emphasis on creating and developing technology to improve our lives.
by Jai Anilkumar