Category: Digital Health

Three of UK healthcare’s most influential voices will speak at Rewired 2026 on how to harness AI safely, ethically and effectively.

Source: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/11/leading-ai-ethics-and-policy-speakers-confirmed-for-rewired-2026/

This morning’s briefing includes a pilot of brain stimulation headsets and a framework to support the integration of AI into practice.

Source: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/11/digital-health-coffee-time-briefing-%E2%98%95-120/

NHS clinicians have the opportunity to apply for two clinical AI fellowship programmes aimed at developing future leaders.

Source: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/11/clinical-ai-fellowships-to-bring-clinicians-and-industry-together/

Lanas Healthcare Technology has launched following its acquisition of electronic health record supplier Clanwilliam Group.

Source: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/11/lanas-healthcare-technology-launches-after-acquiring-clanwilliam/

Our recent roundup of contracts and go lives features planned Nervecentre electronic patient record (EPR) rollouts at two NHS trusts.

Source: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/11/digital-healths-monthly-roundup-of-contracts-and-go-lives-58/

More than 50 different software solutions used in healthcare, logistics, billing and hospitality have been seamlessly integrated at the Schützen Rheinfelden Clinic, thanks to the Enovacom Integration Engine. The stable and robust interoperability platform has saved the clinic 400 hours a year and released more time to care.

Source: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/11/schutzen-clinic-masters-it-complexity-with-enovacom-integration-engine/

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust will establish a Secure Data Environment for mental health research in partnership with DATAMIND.

Source: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/11/mersey-care-to-launch-mental-health-research-data-platform/

You’ve heard of your friends and family getting their wisdom teeth removed, and while it might seem like a common rite of passage, there are specific reasons and situations when the procedure becomes necessary. How can you tell if and when you need to get your own wisdom teeth removed? This article will demystify the reasons and timing for wisdom teeth removal to prepare you for that eventual possibility. Why do you need to remove wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the last molars to grow in as adult teeth. Depending on your natural alignment and previous orthodontic treatments, the eruption of wisdom teeth could lead to complications down the road. Dentists often recommend wisdom teeth removal as a preventative measure or if their patients are already experiencing problems. Some common problems include: Overcrowding: When wisdom teeth push other teeth out of the way as they grow in, this can cause overcrowding and misalignment. There is even a chance of damaging the nearby teeth or causing decay. Impacted teeth: Sometimes, wisdom teeth do not erupt through the gums and remain trapped below. Impaction is not always an issue, but it can sometimes cause pain, swelling, tooth decay, and inflammation. Cysts, abscesses, and tumors: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs, while abscesses are localized collections of pus, and tumors are abnormal masses of tissue. These problems can develop if wisdom teeth are left untreated. Infections: Keeping your wisdom teeth can result in recurring infections and periodontal disease, or gum disease, caused by the buildup of plaque. To determine if your wisdom teeth should be removed, ask yourself the following questions: Are they causing pain or damage to your surrounding teeth or jaw? Do they cause other teeth to develop improperly? Could they interfere with any planned dental treatments in the future? Are you aware of the risks associated with surgery? Could the wisdom teeth replace any badly damaged or missing molars? By considering the state of your teeth as well as your working knowledge about surgery and anesthesia, you can prepare for the procedure and be in a more comfortable spot to make an informed decision. If your wisdom teeth are healthy and do not cause any issues with the rest of your teeth or your bite, you may not need to get them removed at all. Contrary to popular belief, even crooked incisors (front teeth) can remain unaffected by the growth of wisdom teeth. There are no scientifically proven benefits to removing wisdom teeth that are growing in normally.1Many people have fully erupted, healthy, and properly aligned wisdom teeth. If you’re unsure about your bite and the chances of misalignment or overcrowding, your dentist can provide a thorough assessment to show you the alignment and health of each wisdom tooth. When should you have wisdom teeth removed? Generally, dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth in young adulthood, between the ages of 16 and 19.2 This is the earliest period to get your wisdom teeth removed, before other issues like gum disease and cavities are likely to develop and complicate wisdom tooth extraction. In young patients, the roots of the wisdom teeth are not fully formed, the surrounding bone is soft, and there is a lower chance of nerve damage. After the age of 25, there are greater risks to performing the surgery.3 As wisdom teeth develop, so do their roots. Without your noticing, the roots grow longer, and your jawbone becomes denser. After your twenties, extraction comes with complications, and post-operative recovery can take longer. The decision to remove wisdom teeth is not as simple as when you’re a teen. Sometimes, a dentist may advise that you wait to remove your wisdom teeth until you notice localized problems developing, such as a newly formed cyst or bone loss.4 Additionally, wisdom teeth removal costs after your teens may surprise you: as the surgery gets more complicated, the costs go up. Your insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid may not cover the full procedure, depending on which state you live in and whether it’s billed as a basic procedure. It’s best to check with your dentist sooner rather than later to see whether you’ll need to remove your wisdom teeth. However, if you and your dentist have no cause for concern, you may not need to get them removed at all. The post When and Why You Might Need Wisdom Teeth Removal  appeared first on Digital Health Technology News.

Source: https://www.healthtechdigital.com/when-and-why-you-might-need-wisdom-teeth-removal/

Nearly one in five American adults experiences mental illness each year, yet more than half receive no treatment at all. The challenge isn’t a lack of desire for help; it’s that accessing quality mental healthcare has traditionally been complicated, expensive, and difficult to navigate. Even when someone decides to seek support, they often encounter long waitlists, insurance hurdles, geographic limitations, and difficulty finding a compatible provider. A shift is underway. Technology is breaking down many of the traditional barriers that have limited access to mental health services. From telehealth platforms that connect patients with appropriately licensed providers to digital matching tools that help individuals find therapists suited to their needs, innovation is changing how Americans access and experience care. This movement isn’t just about convenience — it’s filling real gaps in the system. A rural resident who once had no local therapists now has online options. A working parent can attend sessions during a lunch break from home. Someone previously turned away due to full caseloads can now access a wider network of providers. The digital mental health revolution is still early, but its impact is already significant. Understanding these tools can empower more people to access support when they need it. The Access Crisis: Why Traditional Mental Healthcare Falls Short America faces a growing mental health provider shortage. per the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the nation needs thousands more mental health professionals to meet demand. Distribution is uneven — many providers cluster in cities, leaving rural regions underserved, with some counties having no practising mental health professionals at all. Insurance often complicates matters. Many therapists may not accept insurance due to low reimbursement and administrative burden, making care unaffordable for some. Even insured individuals can struggle to use their benefits effectively. Cultural and linguistic barriers persist as well. Individuals seeking providers who understand their background or speak their language may struggle to find a match. Scheduling adds another challenge. Traditional office hours make it difficult for those with busy, irregular, or inflexible schedules to attend consistent in-person sessions. How Digital Platforms Improve Therapist Matching Finding the right therapist has historically involved trial-and-error. Digital platforms streamline this by allowing individuals to filter providers by insurance, availability, specialty, therapeutic approach, and personal preferences. Provider profiles often include qualifications, areas of expertise, experience, and sometimes introductory videos. Some platforms use algorithms to suggest potential matches based on individual needs and preferences. These systems can reduce friction and help individuals connect with suitable providers more quickly. While technology cannot guarantee the perfect match, easier access to information and broader choice helps many people find effective support faster. For people in states with strong mental health infrastructure and diverse provider networks, these platforms make finding quality care dramatically easier. Someone in Florida looking for support, for instance, can use these systems to quickly identify therapists in florida who match their specific needs, accept their insurance, and have availability that fits their schedule. The same technology that helps you find a restaurant or book a hotel has been adapted to solve one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges. Telehealth: Removing Geographic and Scheduling Barriers Telehealth adoption accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, making virtual therapy mainstream. With telehealth, individuals can attend sessions with providers who are licensed to practise in their state, regardless of distance. This expands access for rural communities and supports continuity of care if someone relocates. Virtual sessions also save travel time and offer flexibility, allowing appointments during break periods or after children are asleep. Some people feel more comfortable sharing from their own environment, which may encourage openness. Telehealth platforms also support features like secure messaging, session reminders, and integrated therapy tools. For many, a hybrid model — combining virtual and in-person sessions — offers the best balance. The Role of AI in Mental Health Care Artificial intelligence is emerging as a supportive tool in mental health care. It is being used to: Assist with initial screening and intake Help direct individuals to appropriate levels of care Identify patterns that may signal worsening mental health Offer supportive chat-based tools between sessions Provide data insights to support clinical judgement These technologies are not replacements for therapists. Instead, they can help streamline administration, identify potential risks earlier, and extend basic support between sessions. Limitations remain. AI systems can reflect biases in their training data, and they cannot replicate human empathy. They are most effective when used to enhance, not substitute, professional care. Privacy and Security in Digital Mental Health As mental health services move online, privacy protection is critical. Mental health information is highly sensitive. Platforms that deliver healthcare services must comply with relevant regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States. Other privacy frameworks, including state privacy laws and GDPR for certain users, may also apply depending on the region and service type. Best practices include: End-to-end encryption Secure data storage Multi-factor authentication Clear data-usage policies The ability to delete or export personal data Users should review platform privacy information carefully before sharing personal details. The Future of Technology in Mental Health Emerging innovations are shaping the next decade of mental health care: Virtual reality for controlled exposure therapy and trauma treatment Wearables that track physiological and behavioural markers Integrated healthcare systems linking mental and physical health records Personalised treatment insights using aggregated data Online peer support and digital group therapy models The key question moving forward is how to ensure these tools expand access equitably rather than widening digital divides. Navigating Digital Mental Healthcare To make the most of modern mental health tools: Clarify your goals (therapy type, budget, convenience needs) Verify provider credentials and licences Ask about platform privacy and data policies Decide whether you prefer virtual, in-person, or hybrid care Try multiple providers if the first isn’t a good fit Use strong passwords and device security when attending online sessions There is no one-size-fits-all solution — the best approach depends on individual needs. Conclusion Digital innovation is reshaping mental health care in America. Technology is making support more accessible, flexible, and personalised than ever before. While challenges around privacy, quality, equity, and ethical use of AI remain, the direction is clear: barriers are being reduced, and choices are expanding. The goal is not to replace human care but to enhance it — creating a system that meets people where they are and supports everyday wellbeing in ways previously impossible. Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or mental health advice. Individuals should consult qualified healthcare professionals for personal care decisions. The post Breaking Down Barriers: How Technology Is Revolutionizing Mental Health Access in America appeared first on Digital Health Technology News.

Source: https://www.healthtechdigital.com/breaking-down-barriers-how-technology-is-revolutionizing-mental-health-access-in-america/

A national analysis has found that more than 70% of reported NHS digital health technologies (DHTs) have no clinical safety assurance.

Source: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/11/more-than-70-of-nhs-dhts-have-no-clinical-safety-assurance/