Common conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and chronic kidney disease are prevalent in the UK. As an example, approximately 5.5 million adults in England have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Early detection is crucial as it allows individuals to make informed lifestyle choices that can help slow down or even prevent the progression of these diseases.
Unfortunately, many individuals only discover they have these conditions after the window for early intervention has passed. Symptoms for these conditions often don’t appear until the issues have advanced, relying on healthcare professionals to pick up on indicators. To address this issue, Google Health is collaborating with the University of Sheffield to explore the potential of smartphone sensors in addressing this challenge.
The PUMAS Trial: Exploring Smartphone Sensor Technology
Smartphone sensors are capable of detecting various mechanical and electrical signals from the heart and utilizing AI to enable the early detection of common conditions.
Google Health and the University of Sheffield will conduct a feasibility study known as PUMAS — Phones for Undetected Diabetes Mellitus And Hypertension Screening. This groundbreaking research will evaluate whether these signals could potentially serve as a reliable, non-invasive alternative to current screening methods, thereby facilitating early disease detection and freeing up valuable NHS resources. The impact of this could be significant: Identifying and treating everyone known to have high blood pressure could prevent up to 9,710 heart attacks and 14,500 strokes, saving the NHS up to £274 million.
PUMAS represents the first in a series of studies in the South Yorkshire region investigating the role of digital tools in enhancing patient health. Additionally, 500 Fitbit devices will be provided for a separate study on post-surgical rehabilitation. These initiatives are part of a digital health partnership focused on investing in medical research, apprenticeships, and digital skills training to uncover innovative ways that technology can drive change in the region and beyond.
Our Commitment to the South Yorkshire Digital Healthcare Hub
We are also collaborating with the South Yorkshire Digital Health Hub, which comprises private and public sector organizations in the region, including The University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA). This alliance exemplifies the synergy between the technology, academic, and healthcare sectors in driving the development of innovative digital technologies to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
We believe that technology has the potential to revolutionize the nation’s health, but we understand the necessity of experts to support this endeavor. As part of this effort, we are collaborating with the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University to fund 500 Google Career Certificate scholarships. These qualifications will provide individuals and groups working or aspiring to work in digital health across the region with job-ready, entry-level qualifications in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, project management, user experience, and IT support.
