Let’s take a look at some of the latest international health tech news stories that have caught our eye recently.
Nova Scotia-based health app introduces imaging reports for patients
Recent updates to the YourHealthNS app have meant that patients in Nova Scotia now have direct access to mammogram, MRI, CT and PET scan reports, allowing them to “take a greater role in the healthcare they receive”. The reports are available to patients 14 days after they’ve been processed, the organisation shared, adding that images will not be provided but that access to written information on the body part that has been examined, the purpose for the scan, all findings and any comparisons with previous scans, can be accessed.
This follows the addition of X-ray and ultrasound reports which were made available through the app last year and forms part of the organisation’s wider digital health transformation strategy.
Chicago-based AI infrastructure platform HOPPR secures $31.5 million in Series A funding
AI infrastructure platform HOPPR has secured $31.5 million in Series A funding to help with the development of AI imaging applications that are designed to address “critical challenges” in medicine and healthcare. HOPPR allows users to develop foundation models using their own data or HOPPR’s datasets, opening up development pipelines that reportedly streamline the clinical deployment process. The company noted how the new funding will help them scale operations and expand on their foundation model capabilities for healthcare developers.
US Telehealth company VSee Health plans to deploy virtual command centre
Telehealth company, VSee Health has signed a $560k contract with one of the major oncology networks in the US to deploy a virtual command centre that will support remote patient care. The command centre is said to provide real-time visibility to the patient flow, automate queue management and provider alerts for efficient response times, as well as offer centralised omni-channel patient and staff communications.
The new contract aims to “reduce abandoned visits, maximise provider productivity and ensure appropriate billing documentation is completed promptly” while addressing “healthcare’s urgent efficiency challenges with practical technology”.
Health representatives from across the world meet in Helsinki to discuss AI in healthcare
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of Finland and the Council of Europe recently held an event which saw more than 400 representatives from health organisations from across the world share their thoughts on the application of AI in the health sector and the human rights implications this may have. The event took place in Helsinki and was aimed at exploring AI’s impact while also facilitating discussions around what patients need to know when interacting with this tech and the skills required by healthcare professionals.
Abu Dhabi Department of Health signs agreement to improve cyber security resilience
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health recently signed a memorandum of understanding promising to “advance cyber security and digital resistance” within the health sector. The DoH plans to “establish a collaborative framework” which focuses on improving cyber resilience and encouraging the exchange of knowledge and expertise on cyber security, in order to upskill healthcare professionals and organisations within the region.
Information and cyber security office director at Department of Health, Eissa Nasser Alhammadi commented on this new incentive, stating: “The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi is committed to leading the integration of technology, knowledge and data to achieve its vision of a resilient and intelligent healthcare system. This integration demands robust cybersecurity, and through this agreement, we are taking a vital step towards protecting our healthcare ecosystem and aligning it with global best practices in cybersecurity.”
Abridge has raised $250 million in Series D funding to advance AI capabilities
Generative AI platform, Abridge has raised $250 million in Series D funding, which will reportedly be used on the development of the platform’s AI capabilities as well as commercial growth. Abridge is already used in multiple health systems across the US, supplying AI infrastructure designed to improve clinical notes and conversations, with this latest investment “coinciding with the milestone of surpassing 100 deployments” according to the organisation.
Pan American Health Organization introduces telehealth kits across the Americas
The Pan American Health Organization has launched its own telehealth kits throughout the most remote areas within the Americas, giving rural and hard-to-reach communities access to a range of health services. This includes vaccines, essential medicines, complex cardiovascular disease management, specialist prenatal ultrasounds and communicable diagnosis.
The kit is made up of “everything needed to set up telehealth services”, such as a blood pressure monitor, a glucometer, a thermometer, an electrocardiogram, a heart rate monitor and an oxygen saturation machine, with each piece of equipment being fully digital and interoperable.
