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NHS Digital’s deputy chief executive has welcomed news that the government has awarded funding for a project which will see us work with MHRA in developing synthetic datasets.

The datasets created in the project will be aimed at increasing the capability to accurately measure the effectiveness of new algorithms, including artificial intelligence and machine learning in medical devices in order to validate them and get them to the market.

The project is part of the Regulators' Pioneer Fund announced by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Advances in artificial intelligence are being applied to the diagnosis and treatment of patients. AI is becoming a medical device in itself with the potential to make a considerable contribution to public health, but its effectiveness is difficult to evaluate using conventional testing techniques.

Rob Shaw, deputy chief executive at NHS Digital, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with MHRA to deliver this project, which provides the potential to significantly improve the ability to measure the effectiveness of new artificial intelligence and machine learning healthcare innovations.

“Traditional processes for testing and certifying medical devices are not suitable for AI or machine learning products, but by creating synthetic datasets we will be better able to validate algorithms to demonstrate their effectiveness in treating or diagnosing patients.”

“Being able to much more accurately identify the best innovations should accelerate the speed at which they can start being used to improve outcomes for patients.”

Notes to editors

1. The project will be led by the MHRA and partnered by NHS Digital. The project will also be supported by Care Quality Commission who have a keen interest in software used in patient care and who will contribute healthcare scenarios.
2. The project will combine inputs from innovators, academia, regulators, NHS, Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Care Quality Commission, Health Research Authority, and users of healthcare services.
3. This is one of 15 projects to have been allocated funding in the Regulators' Pioneer Fund in an announcement by Business Secretary Greg Clark.

NHS Digital is the national information and technology partner of the health and care system.  Our team of information analysis, technology and project management experts create, deliver and manage the crucial digital systems, services, products and standards upon which health and care professionals depend. During the 2017/18 financial year, NHS Digital published 275 statistical reports. Our vision is to harness the power of information and technology to make health and care better.

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