AI-Powered Virtual Assistant Enhancing Aged Care Services
In an effort to provide personalized support to clients, in-home aged care provider Silverchain has launched a pilot program utilizing an AI-powered virtual assistant. The CuriousThing AI voice virtual assistant by Talius is being tested with a select group of clients in Western Australia for a period of three months starting in June.
Key Features of the Pilot Program:
- The AI tool makes outbound calls to clients to confirm, reschedule, or postpone visits from Silverchain care teams.
- The AI assistant provides near-real-time alerts on clients’ conditions to healthcare providers.
- It tailors clients’ reminders for medication, appointments, and wellness checks.
Based on the success of the initial pilot, Silverchain anticipates a nationwide rollout of the AI voice assistant across its network.
Mobile Emergency Response Module Implemented by Te Whatu Ora
Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand has introduced a new emergency response module on its mobile communication and task management platform. The Medtasker platform now includes a feature that sends location-specific alerts and provides live visibility of emergency responses to coordination teams.
Highlights of the Module:
- Clear alerts to speed up escalation decisions.
- Reduction of confusion over attendance for emergency situations.
- Ensuring appropriate staff mobilization without delay.
The module has been deployed at Whangārei Hospital, with plans for expansion to eight more hospitals in the Northern region in the coming months.
NSW Ambulance Trials Aeromedical Drones for Search and Rescue
NSW Ambulance recently conducted a trial utilizing drone technology for search and rescue missions. Critical care paramedics and special operations team paramedics were trained to operate drones equipped with live aerial surveillance capabilities, thermal imaging, high-intensity search lights, and communication systems.
Potential Applications of Aeromedical Drones:
- Delivery of lifesaving medical supplies to remote locations.
- Transportation of blood products, anti-venoms, and external defibrillators to patients.
The trial was conducted in partnership with aviation service provider Toll Aviation and received support from the NSW Health Sustainable Futures Innovation Fund.
Nepean Diagnostics Adopts AI for Lung Cancer Screening
Nepean Hospital’s private diagnostic imaging center, Nepean Diagnostics, has incorporated AI technology to enhance its lung cancer screening processes. The AI-powered software from South Korean company Coreline Soft is designed to detect pulmonary nodules, emphysema, and coronary artery calcification.
Significance of AI Adoption:
- Supporting the national lung cancer screening program in Australia.
- Expansion of AI software usage in similar projects in Europe and the UK.
Coreline Soft’s entry into the Australian market was facilitated by a strategic partnership with medical device distributor ParagonCare.
Alfred Health Introduces AI-Powered Command Centre
Alfred Health in Victoria has introduced an AI-powered command center provided by GE Healthcare. The platform offers network-wide visibility and planning tools to optimize patient bed allocation and management.
Features of the Command Centre:
- Centralized data integration for real-time insights.
- Supports decision-making and patient volume management.
Alfred Health is the first healthcare provider in Australia to implement this AI-driven platform.
Online Directory of Digital Health Courses Launched by DHCRC
The Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre (DHCRC) in Australia has unveiled an online directory of digital health courses offered by various universities. The directory aims to provide accessible educational opportunities for learners seeking to enhance their digital health skills.
Benefits of the Directory:
- Curated selection of digital health courses from Australian universities.
- Easy search and comparison of courses based on career aspirations.
- Stay informed about new and upcoming digital health education programs.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to boost the capabilities of the healthcare workforce in the midst of digital health system transformation in Australia.
