In each edition we delve into the minds of those who are redefining the boundaries of health. Our goal is to share the insights and stories of those leading the way to achieve the highest attainable standard of health for everyone.

In this edition I have been speaking to James Chapman Co-Founder of Decentlywho is developing an AI driven platform to help clinicians provide better care for patients.

What do you think is the biggest challenge we face in improving people’s health?

One of the biggest challenges in improving people’s health lies in creating alternative ways for more people to access healthcare – as traditional models are creaking at the seams due to increased population and the fact we are all living for longer. Health education and insufficient focus on promoting positive behavioural change are also going to be significant barriers, and we will need to take a multifaceted approach involving policy changes, community engagement and long term investment in innovative solutions.

Please tell us about Decently and how it’s making an impact in health.

Decently is a health tech startup on a mission to revolutionise the way clinicians care for patients with complex, challenging behaviours. Initially focussed on helping patients recovering from brain injuries, we have built Melo – an AI driven behavioural management platform which helps clinical teams have a better, earlier understanding of patient behaviour so that they can plan, predict and ultimately prevent adverse patient incidents.

What does the future of healthcare look like and how do you see the role of innovative players like yourself changing the landscape?

I believe that the future of healthcare will fundamentally be shaped by increased trust and adoption of digital tools and services. A move away from traditional models of going to see a doctor when we are ill, towards a more ‘consumer’ driven patient-centric model of care will enable us all to become more empowered through our own health data to adopt a more proactive, preventative approach to overall health management. Our hope is that companies like Decently can play a pivotal role in shaping this landscape by introducing ‘better tech for better futures’ in a safe and ethical way.

What initially sparked your interest in health innovation? How did you get into this world?

I first got into health innovation nearly 10 years ago when I joined a startup. This gave me the opportunity to lead on a whole range of really interesting projects – from working with local NHS services to create an app for children with mental health challenges, to prototyping a wearable device for people recovering from a stroke to help keep them safer at home, to working on large government funded projects looking at the potential at the time of things like AI, machine learning and blockchain. The sheer breadth of ‘problems’ and how technology can play a part in solving these problems for real people is what got me hooked. The opportunity to make a difference to someone’s health and wellbeing is arguably the biggest driver behind a lot of health tech startups.

How has your past work experience contributed to the way you have launched Decently?

My past experience across startups, SMEs, the NHS and large international companies has set me up well to have a balanced understanding of healthcare dynamics, critical barriers to adoption (like regulation and funding), and the importance of adopting a user-centric approach to product development. Just having a great idea is not normally enough! Also, having had the chance to work with lots of fantastic, smart and inspirational people over the years has taught me about the power of building a diverse team around you with expertise in healthcare, technology, clinical safety and business – who together have enabled Decently to go from an idea to creating and scaling award winning products like Melo.

Could you please tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

I am also a qualified swimming teacher and used to teach kids how to take their first steps towards being able to swim.