Isabel Healthcare

Isabel IN BRIEF

…WHAT?

Isabel is an online clinical decision support and information system covering the whole spectrum of paediatrics. Funded by The Isabel Medical Charity, the system is available free of charge to all registered health professionals. Isabel comprises a number of different interlinked features, each one designed to enhance the others; its key features are:

a fast and effective differential diagnostic tool.
an extensive range of expert treatment algorithms for acute and life threatening conditions.
an image library of x-rays, CT scans and slides.

Although the current version concentrates on paediatric conditions, an adult version is being planned. At present, the system is aimed at UK-based health professionals; however due to an enthusiastic response from overseas doctors, Isabel will be launched on a global basis in due course.

…WHY?

The NHS currently makes relatively little use of information technology in its hospitals and GP surgeries. The responsibility for both diagnosing and administering treatment to acutely sick children is often placed with either junior or non-specialist doctors who frequently have relatively little experience in this area. Isabel could help to:

reduce the number of children becoming seriously ill as a result of incorrect or delayed diagnosis.
improve the survival chances of acutely ill children by ensuring that expert treatment algorithms are available instantaneously to those professionals who may not have relevant specialist experience.

…HOW?

Such a system has only now been made possible by the development of pattern recognition software produced by Autonomy Corporation. Autonomy donated their software to the charity in order to develop a diagnostic tool.

…WHO?

Jason and Charlotte Maude founded the project together with Dr Joseph Britto, Paediatric Intensive Care Consultant at St Mary’s Hospital, London, after the Maudes’ 3 year-old daughter, Isabel nearly died, spending four weeks in Intensive Care as a result of misdiagnosis by her GP and local hospital.
A medical editorial board comprising over 20 high profile specialist doctors around the country.
An advisory board including representatives from the General Medical Council, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the London NHS Modernisation Board.

…WHEN?

Stage 1 of this three-stage project - a working demonstration site - was completed in August 2000.
Stage 2: producing a pilot version, which was tested and validated by a number of hospitals, was carried out between October and December 2000.
A Simulated Field Trial took place between January and March 2002. Its purpose was to ascertain how the use of the Isabel system impacted on doctors’ patient management plans. Results are currently being analysed.
A large scale randomised controlled trial will start in September 2002
Ultimately we anticipate that Isabel will be used in daily practice in hospitals and GP’s surgeries throughout the UK within 5 years.

…HOW MUCH?

Initial funding for Isabel was provided by the Maude family. Thereafter a total of £414,000 was raised by June 2002 through donations from both individuals and institutions and through fund-raising events. The total estimated cost for producing the general paediatric version is: £517,000 (see budget on page 16).
Isabel’s powerful pattern matching software was donated by Autonomy Corporation. A number of other key services were also donated to the charity (see Friends of Isabel, page 15).
The various medical boards, Trustees and Patrons have contributed their time and expertise without any form of remuneration. The charity has had one paid employee since July 2000.