AI chatbot could save universities and NHS thousands in training costs
An artificial intelligence chatbot designed by two former University of Bradford students aims to save universities and the NHS thousands of pounds in training costs.
I-Diagnose is the brainchild of physician associate Aaron Walshaw and pharmacist Sania Bibi, who developed their idea through the University’s Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programmes (ASEP), part of the Bradford-Renduchintala Enterprise Ecosystem (BREE).
After pitching their business idea to the University, they secured a six-figure investment sum that includes 'in-kind' staff time and the cost of employing a web developer. The University, in turn, will receive an amount of equity in the start-up.
From concept to market
At present, clinical evaluations known as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) are often costly and difficult to organise as they require a minimum of three people and sometimes involve hiring actors to play certain roles.
I-Diagnose uses machine learning and AI, drawing data from thousands of real cases, to simulate different scenarios, making it quicker and cheaper to organise, while also providing students with immediate feedback.
Aaron, who graduated with an MSc in Physician Associate Studies in 2023 and currently works as a physician associate for the Brigantes Primary Care Network in Wakefield, said: “The traditional method of OSCE examination is resource intensive and time-consuming and often requires significant administrative support. With advances in technology, we have the option to offer alternative solutions that are more cost effective and more efficient. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the need for assessment methods that can be conducted remotely.”
Sania graduated in 2022 with a Masters in Pharmacy and is a locum pharmacist working in the West Yorkshire region and is also a Software Engineering student currently on an internship year with Yorkshire Building Society. She said: “I-Diagnose offers a number of advantages over traditional OSCE examinations. It allows healthcare students to practise anytime, anywhere and still learn clinical skills in a safe, unbiased, standardised, and structured environment. It saves time and money for exam organisers and it can improve the quality of medical education by providing immediate feedback.”
Putting entrepreneurs first
I-Diagnose is one of a number of business start-ups currently being supported by the University of Bradford, having been developed by its 'enterprise ecosystem' (otherwise known as BREE), of which there are several strands, including:
- Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programme
- Accelerated Staff Entrepreneurship Programme
- Accelerated Community Entrepreneurship Programme
Head of Commercial Innovation Russell Hodgetts said: "The University of Bradford aims to become the number one place to develop and support business start-ups. I-Diagnose is a prime example of how the University is leveraging its expertise and connections to encourage entrepreneurs and ensure they excel.
"Direct investments in new start-ups developed through our enterprise ecosystems are carefully reviewed by a wide group with relevant expertise - the fact they have been selected for investment means they are considered to be providing a real solution to a need in the marketplace, as well as being commercially viable."
The University's BREE ecosystem is open to staff, students and members of the community. To find out more email [email protected]
Enterprise ecosystem
BREE, which launched in January, was made possible thanks to a partnership between alumnus Dr Murthy Renduchintala and the University, both of whom pledged £1.25m to create an enterprise ecosystem designed to fast-track business start-ups.
Dr Renduchintala will attend a networking event alongside BREE advisory board members Martin Allison, Andrew Pearson, Jordan Darque, Barry Sharples, Sofia Buncy (DL) and Sharon Jandu on Wednesday October 30, from 5pm-7pm, in the Small Hall, Richmond Building, on campus.