Our latest #OurEntrepreneurs profile we meet cohort 8 Clinical Entrepreneur Arun Nadarasa, PCNs Pharmacist.  .

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I am a first-generation French-Tamil and a black belt in Judo. I obtained my pharmacy degree from the University of Bath, where I developed my entrepreneurial skills by organising Bath’s inaugural “South West Got Rhythm” (SWGR) Hip Hop festival in 2010. This experience led me to engage in B-Boying in 2006 and Krump dance in 2008. 

After qualifying as a Pharmacist in November 2012, I had the opportunity to travel internationally. Through my philanthropic work in India, I earned the moniker “Angel of Indian Krump” and co-founded the “Indian Krump Festival” (IKF) in June 2014. My Krump dance name is “Prince Yarjack aka Asura“. 

Advocating for the health benefits of dance, I completed the “Dance for Parkinson’s” course in 2016, which inspired me to publish the pioneering book “Pharmacy Movement – How To Prescribe Social and Digital Medicines” in January 2018. I subsequently launched an Udemy course “Social Prescribing for Community Pharmacy” in collaboration with Dr Marie-Anne Essam, which has attracted over 1400 students from 93 countries. 

Building upon this momentum, I organised the “Pharmacy Social Prescribing Conference” (PSPC) in 2021 and 2022, featuring esteemed speaker Professor Sir Michael Marmot. 

I currently serve as a mentor for the “Indian Pharmaceutical Association Students Forum” (IPA-SF), providing guidance for their annual “Pharmacy Metaverse Hackathon“, which has been held since 2022. 

In my professional capacity, I am the CEO of the “International Social Prescribing Pharmacy Association” (ISPPA), a global think tank. My primary role is that of a PCN pharmacist for the “Islington GP Federation” (IGPF) at “Mildmay Medical Practice” (MMP) and “Islington Central Medical Practice” (ICMC). Additionally, I provide freelance vaccination training as a clinical trainer for “ECG Training” on weekends. 

Tell us about your innovation and the challenge you aim to address within the NHS? 

The increased workload for Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs) poses a significant challenge within the NHS. Social prescribing is a key part of the NHS Long Term Plan, but the growing demand has led to protracted waiting lists, impacting the ability to effectively address patients’ overall well-being and healthcare outcomes. 

To address this challenge, we have developed an innovative “Social Prescribing AI” solution. This approach leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology, to support and streamline the social prescribing process. 

Our AI agent automates the collection of vital information by guiding patients through the ONS4 well-being questionnaire. Based on the patient’s responses, the AI then generates a personalised care plan, connecting the patient with local community resources such as gyms, yoga classes, housing support, and financial assistance. This holistic approach aims to address the social determinants of health and promote overall well-being, rather than relying solely on medication. 

A key feature of our innovation is the conversion of patient responses into standardised SNOMED CT codes, enabling seamless integration with clinical systems. This reduces administrative burdens for healthcare providers and fosters a more patient-centric care approach. 

Our innovation aims to directly address the critical issue of overprescribing within the NHS. The National Overprescribing Review Report has highlighted that at least 10% of current medications are overprescribed, leading to unnecessary healthcare costs, potential harm to patients, and increased appointment burden. By reducing the reliance on medication and promoting holistic well-being through social prescribing, our AI-powered solution aims to optimise healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. 

In conclusion, our “Social Prescribing AI” innovation empowers patients with personalised care plans and connects them to valuable community resources. By leveraging advanced AI technology, we aim to address the challenges of increased workload for SPLWs, overprescribing, and the need for more holistic, patient-centric healthcare within the NHS. 

Why did you apply to join the programme, and what are you most looking forward to?

I am thrilled at the prospect of joining the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (NHS CEP), as it aligns seamlessly with my deep-seated passions for innovation and entrepreneurialism within the healthcare sector. Through my previous work, which has included authoring publications and delivering presentations on Social Prescribing, both nationally and internationally, I have had the opportunity to share my expertise and garner valuable insights from diverse audiences. 

My unwavering commitment to improving the NHS is rooted in my first-hand experiences of the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers. This has fuelled my determination to find innovative solutions that enhance patient care, streamline processes, and make the healthcare system more efficient and equitable. 

Collaboration is at the heart of my approach, and I have a proven track record of working alongside multidisciplinary teams to achieve common goals. I am particularly enthusiastic about exploring and developing new ideas that have the potential to benefit wider communities. 

Ultimately, I aspire to be a catalyst for positive change within the NHS. I possess the resilience and drive required to navigate the complexities of healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship. I am unafraid to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and persevere in the face of adversity. 

While I recognise that I have development needs, particularly in areas such as business acumen and project management, I believe that the NHS CEP is precisely the programme I need to refine my skills and become a more effective healthcare entrepreneur. I am eager to embrace the opportunities this programme offers, both in terms of personal growth and the chance to make a tangible impact on the healthcare landscape. 

What are your ambitions for the next year?

In the coming year, my primary ambition is to further the implementation and adoption of our AI-driven Social Prescribing solution within primary care. This innovative approach holds immense potential to not only improve patient outcomes, but also drive meaningful cost savings for the NHS. 

Currently, the annual cost to NHS commissioners in England for medicines prescribed in primary care and dispensed in the community is a staggering £8.90 billion. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, we aim to enhance health outcomes and facilitate collaborative deprescribing efforts with clinicians. 

Our AI agent will generate personalised care plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient, based on their responses to comprehensive well-being assessments. These personalised plans will connect patients with a wealth of community-based resources, from gyms and yoga classes to housing support and financial assistance. By empowering patients to actively engage with these holistic solutions, we believe we can significantly reduce the reliance on medication and promote a more comprehensive approach to healthcare. 

Moreover, our system will seamlessly integrate patient data into clinical systems using SNOMED CT codes, streamlining the care pathway and reducing the administrative burden on GP surgery staff. This increased efficiency, coupled with the potential for cost savings in service delivery, will be a key focus as we work to scale our innovation across the NHS. 

Ultimately, our ambition is to empower patients, improve their quality of life, and enhance their safety and independence. By addressing diverse needs, from physical and mental health to social determinants of well-being, we aim to promote inclusivity and help reduce health inequalities within the communities we serve. 

In the year ahead, we will work tirelessly to expand the reach and impact of our AI-driven Social Prescribing solution, driving tangible improvements in patient outcomes and contributing to the overall sustainability of the NHS. 

Why do you think innovation is important in healthcare?

Innovation is paramount within the healthcare sector, as it holds the key to driving forward significant advancements and improvements in patient outcomes, service delivery, and overall system efficiency. In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the ability to innovate is not merely a desirable trait, but a fundamental necessity. 

Firstly, innovation allows healthcare providers to address the ever-changing needs and expectations of patients. As the demographics and disease profiles of the population shift, novel solutions are required to cater to these evolving requirements. Whether it is the development of new treatment modalities, the utilisation of cutting-edge technologies, or the redesign of care pathways, innovation enables healthcare systems to remain responsive and adaptive to the needs of the communities they serve. 

Secondly, innovation drives improvements in patient outcomes and the quality of care. By introducing novel therapies, diagnostic tools, or care delivery models, healthcare professionals can enhance the effectiveness of interventions, leading to better clinical results, reduced complications, and improved patient satisfaction. This, in turn, contributes to the overall sustainability and resilience of the healthcare system. 

Moreover, innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of healthcare services. The integration of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and digital health solutions, can streamline workflows, automate administrative tasks, and optimise resource utilisation. This not only reduces the burden on healthcare professionals but also helps to manage the escalating costs associated with the provision of high-quality care. 

Furthermore, innovation fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the healthcare sector. By actively encouraging and supporting the development of new ideas, healthcare organisations can nurture an environment that values creativity, problem-solving, and the pursuit of excellence. This, in turn, can lead to the identification of innovative solutions that address unmet needs and drive transformative change. 

In conclusion, innovation is indispensable in healthcare, as it enables healthcare systems to adapt to changing demands, improve patient outcomes, enhance efficiency, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. By embracing innovation, healthcare providers can ensure that they remain at the forefront of medical advancements, delivering the highest standards of care and making a lasting positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve. 

How can we find out more?

Please visit the www.socialprescribing.health for more information.