OPCI Secures Funding to Enhance Surgical Decision-Making
In an exciting development within the healthcare sector, a startup named OPCI has successfully secured £600,000 in funding to further its innovative endeavors in machine learning. Based in the vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, OPCI is dedicated to enhancing the decision-making processes for clinicians involved in elective surgeries. The company was founded earlier this year by accomplished orthopaedic surgeons Justin Green and Mike Reed, both of whom bring decades of medical expertise to the table. Their journey into the intersection of technology and healthcare was sparked by a personal interest in data science, which led to the creation of an advanced platform known as Open Predictor.
The Open Predictor software utilizes sophisticated machine learning algorithms trained on anonymised patient data to generate predictive risk scores for individuals slated for hip or knee replacement surgeries.
This groundbreaking tool aids clinicians in making informed decisions regarding patient care. Recognizing the growing issue of prolonged waiting times for elective surgeries, OPCI aims to integrate its software into the pre-operative assessment procedures at hospitals. By doing so, the organization hopes to streamline the pathway from patient referral to surgery, ultimately reducing the burden on healthcare systems and improving patient outcomes.
With the newfound funding, OPCI is set to embark on a pilot project in Southwest Wales, collaborating closely with the Hywel Dda University Health Board and the Swansea Bay University Health Board. Justin Green, the CEO and co-founder of OPCI, emphasized the urgency of integrating this technology into the healthcare landscape, stating, “During my career as an orthopaedic surgeon, I’ve identified an opportunity for the pathway from patient referral to surgery to be improved through technology. With the length of waiting lists having only increased, the need to take advantage of this technology is as acute as ever.” This investment, secured from experienced investors in the north-east of England with a strong background in the medical device industry, will facilitate the continued development of Open Predictor, ensuring that it can effectively support clinicians, healthcare professionals, and patients alike.
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