The American Medical Association has launched a new project with Sling Health, a national biotechnology incubator, in an effort to integrate physician perspectives into new technology development as early as possible.
The two groups debuted the project, called the Clinical Problem Database, on the AMA's Physician Innovation Network, an online forum that connects physicians with digital health companies seeking clinician feedback.
Physicians are encouraged to use the database to offer input into aspects of care delivery and medical practice that they feel are in need of improvement. These suggestions are shared with Sling Health, a student-run incubator based in St. Louis, to inform their projects.
The database is part of the AMA's ongoing effort to encourage technology startups to work with physicians. The goal is to ensure new technologies support the needs of front-line staff, rather than adding new work with limited benefits, according to the trade group.
"Gaining insights from physicians will help make medical technology an asset, not a burden," Michael A. Tutty, AMA group vice president of professional satisfaction and practice sustainability, said in a statement.
The project builds on the AMA's existing collaboration with Sling Health, which kicked off in 2016, when the incubator was known as IDEA Labs. The collaboration involved connecting startups with talent and mentors at the AMA to support medical technology development.
