In October 2022, Smartz won the Kerrin Rennie Award for Excellence in Medical Technology – Improving Quality of Life. The award was established to recognise and profile the innovative and extraordinary contribution of medical technology in improving health outcomes of Australian patients.
Smartz monitors patient wellness including 2 significant issues affecting the elderly in residential aged care facilities; incontinence and pressure injuries.
Smartz also helps efficiency of staff time by reducing unnecessary diaper checks whilst also significantly reducing the invasive manual practices currently used to check when diapers need changing.
There was also a potential reduction in the number of diaper changes by changing the diaper only when really needed thus saving time, and improving toileting routines. These benefits may result in lower overall cost, fewer hospital admissions for UTIs, less waste, and more significantly, better individualised care.
Clinical study results have shown that the time residents are left in wet diapers significantly reduces when carers are alerted when the diaper has reached capacity. This reduces the risk of incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) and UTIs.
Neina Fahey from the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) spoke with Peta Jurd, Smartz AG Commercial Director about winning the award.
-
Sydney North Neighbourhood Health Hubs to approach health and welfare in holistic way
Many people struggle to access the right care at the right time, leading to gaps, delays, and confusion when navigating the health system. By fostering collaboration and integration, the Wellbeing Collaborative will support a primary care system that works better together, making it easier for individuals to receive early intervention and preventative care. By working together and in partnership, Sydney North Health Network aim to create more connected, accessible, and person-centred services that address key health challenges locally, including chronic illness, mental health, aged care, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), and suicide prevention.
-
Health Minister appoints Chair to National One Stop Shop Program
The Australian Government has appointed Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, FAA FTSE to lead key reforms as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Policy Reform Group (IGPRG) for health and medical research, including clinical trials.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Mark Butler MP commenting on the selection and appointment said, “Professor Chubb has dedicated his career to improving health and medical research and education in this county and I am pleased he has agreed to share his knowledge and experience through the IGPRG.”
-
Funding roadblocks creating digital health inequity
Helen Souris, CEO and Executive Director of Cardihab and Chair of the Digital Health Advisory Group at the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), highlights the significant gap in cardiac rehabilitation access across Australia. Despite the proven benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in improving survival, quality of life, and reducing hospital admissions, around 80% of eligible patients do not receive this care, with access rates even lower in regional and rural communities.
