UK to probe 'systematic bias' in medical devices tech

Britain's health secretary cited research showing that oximeters are less accurate on people with darker skin as highlighting th
Britain's health secretary cited research showing that oximeters are less accurate on people with darker skin as highlighting the potential problem.

Britain's health secretary announced Sunday he has launched an independent review to examine if "systematic bias" exists in the development of medical devices, after COVID-19 brought the issue "to the fore".

Sajid Javid said he would also work with his counterpart in the United States, Xavier Becerra, and other like-minded nations around the world "so we can shape what sits behind these valuable technologies".

Writing in the Sunday Times newspaper, Javid cited research showing that oximeters—which monitor oxygen levels and have been used during the pandemic—are less accurate on people with darker skin as highlighting the potential problem.

"One of the founding principles of our NHS is equality, and the possibility that a bias—even an inadvertent one—could lead to a poorer health outcome is totally unacceptable," he wrote, referring to Britain's National Health Service.

"We urgently need to know more about the bias in these devices, and what impact it is having on the front line.

"So I have commissioned an independent review, looking at whether systematic bias exists within current devices, and if so, how we can address it."

Javid, the son of Pakistani immigrants and the first person from anto hold the role of UK, said it would assess all medical devices, and other common biases aside from, such as gender.

He noted his interest in focusing on this issue came in part from seeing health disparities during the height of the coronavirus crisis last winter.

Then, black, Asian and other minoritymade up 28 percent of critical-care admissions in England—about double their representation in the population as a whole.

Onto tackle the issue, Javid said he had already discussed it with Becerra.

"I want to work with him and other like-minded nations around the world so we can shape what sits behind these valuable technologies," he added.

© 2021 AFP

Citation: UK to probe 'systematic bias' in medical devices tech (2021, November 21) retrieved 12 March 2023 from //www.pyrotek-europe.com/news/2021-11-uk-probe-systematic-bias-medical.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

In shift, UK to require COVID vaccination for health workers

2shares

Feedback to editors