New algorithm ‘to predict patient’s mental health crisis before it hits’

A computer program is being developed to predict a patient’s mental health crisis before it begins.

In trials, the algorithm detected imminent emergencies, such as the need for hospitalization, up to a month before they occurred in half of the cases.

Researchers from the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust used seven years of anonymous medical records to develop the programme. In two-thirds of cases, technology was used to prevent situations from escalating or to reduce the workload of EMS staff.

Former NHS psychiatrist Dr. “We want to move from reactive to proactive care,” said Oliver Harrison.

In trials, the algorithm detected imminent emergencies, such as the need for hospitalization, up to a month before they occurred in half of the cases.

According to one survey, one in four Brits think they don’t need sunscreen in the UK.

Of the 2,200 people surveyed by the Medino digital pharmacy, 90% said they use sunscreen abroad, while a quarter believe the sun in the UK is “not strong enough” to cause skin damage.

But experts warn that the number of cases of melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, in the UK has increased by a third in the past decade.

“Substances to look out for in sunscreen include homosalate and octyl salicylate,” says pharmacist Giulia Guerrini.