Novel imaging tech can save UK’s NHS £1 billion

A recent analysis highlights a groundbreaking technology developed by Thermology Health, a spin-out from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The technology, designed to screen and detect diabetic foot ulcers early, could significantly reduce the financial burden on the UK's National Health Service (NHS) while improving patient outcomes.

Over the next five years, this innovative approach has the potential to save the NHS more than £200 million annually and prevent thousands of amputations.

How does it work?

Thermology Health's technology leverages ultra-accurate temperature readings and advanced AI analytics to detect early signs of diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic patients can monitor their foot health from the comfort of their homes by using this scanning device. The device tracks temperature fluctuations, which can serve as early warning signals for potential ulceration. Once scanned, the results are automatically sent to a clinician for review, ensuring timely intervention.

As Thermology Health CEO, Yuval Yashiv, explains, "It has been proven that there is the potential for over 60% reduction in ulcerations by using temperature as an early-warning indicator."

Why does it matter?

Diabetic foot ulcers are a major complication of diabetes, and delayed detection can lead to severe consequences, including amputation. In the UK alone, diabetic foot ulcers cost the NHS around £1.5 billion each year, with 10-20% of cases leading to amputations. Globally, as the number of people living with diabetes is expected to rise to 640 million by 2030, the challenge of managing diabetic foot ulcers will intensify. Early detection is critical in reducing the risk of ulceration and amputation.

Thermology Health's technology addresses this need, offering a solution that improves patient care and helps health systems save significant resources.

According to Yuval Yashiv, "We always knew that this technology has the potential to make a very material impact, both financially and for improved patient outcomes."

The context

Diabetes is one of the top three chronic diseases worldwide, and foot ulcers are a common and severe complication of this condition. Studies show that 15-25% of people with diabetes are at high risk of developing foot ulcers. As the global diabetic population grows, the financial and healthcare burden related to managing these complications will escalate.

Thermology Health's imaging technology comes at a critical time, providing a cost-effective, efficient method for early detection. By enabling at-home monitoring for millions of high-risk patients, the technology holds promise for reducing the incidence of ulcerations and amputations on a global scale. The NHS, which is already struggling with the high costs of managing diabetic foot ulcers, stands to benefit significantly from this innovation. And, in that sense, we expect to see this kind of technology being implemented in other parts of the world, as well.