Dr Anish Bhuva, is the founder of Pace MRI, a Consultant Cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre and an Associate Professor at University College London.
Tell us about the innovation. What does it do, how does it help, who does it help and why is it important?
Pace-MRI is an award-winning digital tool that manages complex MRI referrals for patients with implanted cardiac devices.
In England alone, 440,000 people have a pacemaker or defibrillator, and each has a 75% lifetime chance of needing an MRI scan. However, patients with cardiac devices are fifty times less likely to be referred for MRI scans, (between 50,000–70,000 such patients are denied MRI scans annually), and about half of MRI departments do not provide these scans. As a result, patients with implanted cardiac devices may undergo more invasive tests and face delayed diagnoses.
To overcome this, the pace MRI platform is designed to enable patients with medical implants to safely undergo MRI scans.
The award-winning platform manages complex MRI referrals for patients with implanted cardiac devices to ensure safe MRI service delivery. Due to the complex interactions between the strong magnetic field and implanted medical devices, the Pace MRI platform guides clinicians through the referral and scanning process. This results in faster referrals and reporting, fewer emails, quicker and safer decision making.
By ensuring safe imaging, Pace-MRI improves diagnostic accuracy, optimises treatment plans, enhances overall patient outcomes and improves medical imaging accessibility.
Which health innovation networks have you been supported by?
We have been working with UCLPartners. They have provided excellent guidance on strategy, business case development, and engaging with customers. Working with UCLPartners has helped speed up the conversation with interested NHS partners, developing necessary models and facilitating implementation in individual services and regions.
What are the plans/next steps for this innovation?
We have demonstrated the safety and benefits of Pace-MRI in over 1,000 patients across three regions, leading to improved cancer diagnosis, treatment, and reduced hospital stays.
Moving forward, the goal is to make the software widely accessible so that NHS users can implement it seamlessly into routine practice, ensuring that all eligible patients can benefit from MRI scans without unnecessary delays.
What’s your biggest piece of learning from innovating in the NHS?
Although this product was developed by clinicians and end-users within the NHS, collaboration has been key to refining the concept, demonstrating a solid evidence base, and proving its benefits to stakeholders.
What are your hopes for the future?
The ultimate vision is that every patient with a pacemaker or other medical implant will have equal access to MRI scans, just like any other patient. Removing barriers to critical imaging will ensure better health outcomes.
What’s the best part of your job?
The variety and challenges of being a clinical academic, as well as the ability to translate innovative ideas into real-world practice, are what makes my role so fulfilling.
What are your three pieces of advice for budding health innovators?
- Demonstrate an evidence-base.
- Engage with clinicians early.
- Be open and honest.
Learn more about MRI scanning with a heart implant
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