Reflections on the ‘Unlocking innovation in MSK health’ event

FINDING WAYS TO NAVIGATE THE SYSTEM

Despite the frustrations that start-ups face in navigating our health system – which was described by one speaker as ‘a lot sicker than the people we’re treating’ we must find solutions. The UK is a home to world-leading medical research and our universities are incubating a brilliant generation of innovative clinicians, engineers and computer scientists. They may ultimately find fame and fortune in the USA, but we should not accept that they have to abandon the UK market.

SHIFTING THE FOCUS TO PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT & DIAGNOSIS

We need to shift the focus of innovation to community-based prevention and the self-management of MSK conditions, rather than surgery where clinicians are already achieving exceptional results in terms of patient outcomes. That said, innovations or initiatives that enhance the efficiency and productivity of surgeons, especially in the context of huge waiting lists, will always be welcomed.

Innovation in diagnosis and screening is also under-developed.

MAKING MSK HEALTH MORE ATTRACTIVE

We need to convince regulators, innovators and investors that the MSK health sector merits their attention. It may not appear as superficially attractive as other major conditions but the market is huge (20 million people in the UK and hundreds of millions of people worldwide are affected by poor MSK health) and the technologies capable of making a difference are well established. The initialism ‘MSK’ doesn’t help, but what is the alternative descriptor for this category.

IDENTIFYING & COUNTERING REGULATORY BARRIERS

Regulation (or the interpretation and application) of regulations can be a barrier to innovation. We need a regulatory environment that is fit for a more entrepreneurial and innovative approach.

INNOVATION IS MORE THAN TECHNOLOGY

New ways of working and improved patient-centred interventions do not always involve the application of new technology. We need to be careful that our excitement about the amazing possibilities of new technology does not blind is to effective, low (or no) tech innovation. There are also examples where new technology, such as the use of robotics to support surgeons, appears to making things less efficient.

ADDRESSING FUNDING GAPS

Clear gap between early stage and late-stage funding, which is a particular problem when funding clinical trials. Unclear how this gap can be filled apart from government funding.

SPINNING OUT FROM UNIVERSITIES

Seen as an unnecessary complicated process. Universities also guilty of short-term thinking – trying to maximise immediate earnings rather than long-term potential from successful founder philanthropy.