Closed loop control systems for optimisation of treatment

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A treatment that is optimised and personalised to the individual patient can significantly improve outcomes across a range of medical conditions. The closed-loop control approach involves continuously monitoring key clinical parameters and, informed by mathematical models, adapting treatment. The advent of massive computer power, highly sensitive, specific and flexible sensors, and finely-titratable treatments has finally allowed closed-loop control systems to offer a revolutionary leap in medical treatment. Examples of challenges that might now be met include: the delivery of treatment to cancer patients, the moment-to-moment management of critically ill (or injured) patients, and the accelerated healing of chronic wounds. We propose the formation of a multidisciplinary team comprising academics, clinicians and industrialists, supported by stakeholders, to address these challenges. The first year of the network involves bringing together the community in a series of Grand Challenge Workshops to establish a roadmap. Areas where there are gaps in technology or knowledge will be addressed by eight feasibility studies or secondments that will run during years 2 and 3 and will provide proof of concept data for grand challenge funding applications. These larger funding applications will be developed in parallel to the feasibility studies.