In an era where technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives, one company stands out at the intersection of data, healthcare and local government. Datnexa, created by Adam Dustagheer, is pioneering innovative solutions that harness the power of big data and artificial intelligence to tackle some of society's most pressing challenges.
From predicting falls among the elderly to streamlining special education needs assessments, Datnexa's approach embodies a powerful philosophy: Big ideas, Bold Technology, for a Better Tomorrow.
A New Paradigm in Preventative Healthcare
At the heart of Datnexa's mission is a belief in the radical reimagining of preventative healthcare. Adam Dustagheer, a seasoned digital strategist with over two decades of experience, has set his sights on transforming how we approach public health challenges, particularly in the realm of frailty and falls among the elderly.
"We've hit upon this idea of looking within as many data sets as we could get our hands on to try and do something good," Dustagheer explains, outlining the genesis of Datnexa's National Frailty Index (NFIX) for England and Wales. This ambitious project aims to identify individuals at the highest risk of falling within the next two years, potentially saving lives and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
What sets Datnexa's approach apart is its granularity and scale. By analysing data and then validating it with local experts for over 3.1 million households, the company has created a tool that provides insights at both national and local levels. "Is it perfect? No. Is it pretty good? Yeah. Can it be used to start making an impact? Absolutely" Dustagheer admits with characteristic candour. This nuanced understanding of the data's potential and limitations underpins Datnexa's commitment to continuous improvement and real-world impact.
The scope of preventative interventions has expanded significantly beyond just frailty, encompassing a wide range of health and social issues. This broader approach recognises the interconnected nature of wellbeing and quality of life across all ages. Efforts now include addressing dementia through cognitive engagement and social activities, combating social isolation with community programs, enhancing cancer screening for early detection, implementing data-driven approaches to prevent homelessness, focusing on reablement services to help people regain independence after illness or injury, and developing all-age hubs to provide integrated, accessible services across generations.
This shift towards a more holistic view of prevention reflects a growing understanding of the complex, interrelated nature of health and social challenges. By expanding the focus beyond frailty, preventative strategies can now address a broader spectrum of issues that impact overall health and wellbeing, potentially leading to more comprehensive and effective interventions that improve outcomes across multiple domains simultaneously.
Bridging Data and Action
However, Dustagheer is keenly aware that data alone is not enough. The true value, he argues, lies in translating these insights into actionable interventions. Datnexa's model combines population-level data with local authority information to create a comprehensive picture of frailty risk, enabling both long-term strategic planning and immediate, targeted interventions.
"We are able to provide immediate insights for public health and then plan care pathway based doorstep interventions," Dustagheer explains, describing the dual approach that allows for both strategic planning and rapid response. "Public health intervention may take six months to land and 10 years to emerge. The doorstep one may take a month to work out and then days to actually operationalise."
What has been clear
This pragmatic approach to data application is a hallmark of Datnexa's philosophy. As Dustagheer puts it, "You've got all of this information. That's great, so what? It is just stats until you can meaningfully apply an intervention." It's a sentiment that cuts to the heart of Datnexa's mission: using technology not for its own sake, but as a means to create tangible, positive change in people's lives.
Inclusive Design and Collaborative Innovation
Central to Datnexa's success is a commitment to inclusive design and collaborative innovation. "Good design is diverse design, is robust design," Dustagheer asserts, emphasising the importance of multiple perspectives in creating effective solutions.
This collaborative ethos extends beyond the company's walls. Dustagheer envisions an ecosystem where various stakeholders contribute their unique insights: "We don't have all the answers but we do have a delivery framework and a tonne of data." This approach has led to fruitful partnerships with local authorities, healthcare providers, and technology partners, all working together to create a comprehensive toolkit for frailty prevention and other public health challenges.
Cutting-Edge Technology for the Public Good
Datnexa's innovative spirit is perhaps best exemplified by its embrace of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence. Dustagheer describes the potential of AI-powered tools to democratise access to complex health data: "Imagine giving everyone making care service decisions a ChatGPT, with the right curated data set within it, and the proper ethical and legal guardrails. They could just say please give me the wards with the greatest need of immediate intervention for falls. The available interventions, and the impact. It would increase efficiency and start to deliver on the promise of this technology."
This application of AI demonstrates Datnexa's commitment to making complex data accessible and actionable for healthcare providers and policymakers alike. It's a powerful example of how advanced technology can be harnessed for the public good, empowering decision-makers with the insights they need to make informed choices.
Transforming Local Government Services
Datnexa's impact extends beyond data for health and adult social care in local government services. Two standout projects showcase the company's ability to apply its data-driven approach to diverse challenges: Hey Geraldine and EHCP Plus.
Hey Geraldine, an AI-powered assistant for Technology Enabled Care in adult social care, represents a ground-breaking application of artificial intelligence in public services. Named after a real social care professional with decades of experience, this virtual assistant provides 24/7 support to social workers and care staff, offering valuable insights and advice drawn from a vast knowledge base.
The success of Hey Geraldine lies not just in its technological sophistication, but in its human-centred design. By basing the AI on a respected colleague, Datnexa has created a tool that resonates with users, increasing adoption and effectiveness. It's a prime example of how technology can augment and support human expertise, rather than replace it.
EHCP Plus, another innovative project, tackles the complex world of special education needs assessments. By leveraging AI and data analytics, Datnexa has streamlined the process of creating Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children with special needs. This not only reduces administrative burden but also ensures that children receive more timely and tailored support.
The impact of EHCP Plus extends beyond efficiency gains. By freeing up professionals' time from paperwork, the system allows for more meaningful interactions with families and children, ultimately improving the quality of care and support provided.
These projects underscore Datnexa's ability to identify pain points in public services and develop innovative, technology-driven solutions that make a real difference in people's lives.
Creating a Community of Innovation
Perhaps one of Dustagheer's most significant contributions to the field is the creation of LGAI (Local Government AI), a platform dedicated to harnessing innovative technology through co-design and collaboration. This initiative brings together local authorities, technology providers, and experts to tackle specific challenges within local government.
LGAI.uk exemplifies Dustagheer's belief in the power of collective innovation. By creating a space for knowledge sharing and collaborative problem-solving, Datnexa is helping to accelerate the adoption of AI and data-driven solutions across the public sector.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the promise of these innovations, Dustagheer is clear-eyed about the challenges that lie ahead. Data sharing between health and social care systems remains a significant hurdle, as does the need to align with national political agendas and healthcare priorities.
However, Dustagheer remains optimistic about the potential for data-driven prevention to transform healthcare outcomes. His focus now is on building evidence through case studies and collaborations, with the ambitious goal of creating a robust, scalable toolkit for frailty prevention by Autumn 2025. “We could do it faster with a little help from our friends, and Angela or Wes. Yeah, getting onto the national agenda would help”, he adds in reference to the current Deputy Prime Minister and Health Secretary whose portfolios could benefit from these pragmatic transformations.
A Vision for Tech for Good
As our conversation draws to a close, it's clear that Adam Dustagheer's vision extends far beyond the success of a single company. His philosophy of "tech for good" represents a clarion call for the entire sector to refocus its efforts on the prevention agenda, by solving real-world problems and improving lives.
"We're looking for collaborative partners," Dustagheer reiterates. "We want to hear from those in Adult Social Care, Public Health, Healthcare, Technology and Data across local government". This collaborative ethos, coupled with a commitment to leveraging data for public good, offers a promising path forward in addressing complex societal challenges.
For those inspired by this vision of data-driven prevention and technological innovation for social good, Dustagheer and Datnexa extend an open invitation. Whether you're a technologist, a healthcare professional, or simply someone passionate about making a difference, there's a place for you in this movement.
As we face the complex challenges of the 21st century, from an ageing population to strained public services, the work of visionaries like Adam Dustagheer and companies like Datnexa offer low cost and high impact solutions. By harnessing the power of data, embracing collaborative innovation, and never losing sight of the human impact of their work, they are showing us a path to a better, more equitable future.
In the end, it's not just about big data or bold technology. It's about building a better tomorrow, one innovation at a time. And in that endeavour, we all have a role to play.
