Welcome to our latest international news in brief, where we take a look at recent news and developments in health technology from overseas. Here are a few stories that have caught our eye over the last few weeks.
Confirmed pregnancy achieved through use of autonomous system to identify and isolate sperm cells for IVF
A health technology company has shared news of a pregnancy achieved through the use of its “fully autonomous” system to select and isolate sperm cells for IVF treatment. The company, BAIBYS™, has confirmed the pregnancy following completion of the first trimester.
Sperm selection to reduce structural birth defects can take up to three hours per procedure, the company claims, whereas the autonomous system is capable of automating the entire process. AI classification recommends sperm cells for selection with a reported 95 percent agreement with clinicians, and the system also offers robotic physical isolation of selected cells.
Prince Edward Island Canada joins national ambient scribe pilot programme
Health Prince Edward Island (Health PEI) is set to join a national pilot of ambient scribe technology which will see up to 100 PEI healthcare providers including primary and community care, using a single AI scribe solution integrated into the province’s electronic medical record.
The programme is designed to explore the use of the technology in primary care settings, looking to reduce admin burden by transcribing conversations between patients and providers, to be checked and approved prior to them being added to patient records.
Results reported from other jurisdictions participating in the national programme include 94 percent of clinicians reporting a time saving, and 62 percent reporting saving more than 30 minutes per day.
Australian Digital Health Agency launches new national committee to oversee safety in digital health
The Australian Digital Health Agency has launched a new national committee to oversee quality and safety in digital health, designed to guide the nation’s approach to emerging technologies like AI.
Expert Advisory Groups including clinicians, consumers, and industry members will report in to the committee, with a focus on safer health information sharing to My Health Record, virtual and remote care, and the safe implementation of AI in healthcare settings.
“By bringing together leading voices from across the health sector, we are prioritising that the future of digital health is clinically safe, effective, and centred on the needs of all Australians,” Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole said.
Africa CDC welcomes 50 young digital health champions shaping Africa’s digital health landscape
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced its latest cohort of 50 young digital health champions, recognised for their role in shaping Africa’s digital health landscape.
“With over 65 percent of Africa’s population under the age of 35, investing in youth leadership is critical to advancing health security, digital transformation, and economic growth across the continent,” the CDC explains. “The Y-DHC Program identifies, profiles, and connects dynamic young leaders who are actively shaping the digital health landscape in Africa.”
The initiative is looking to accelerate the delivery of “youth-led” health innovations, with the selected champions to act as role models, advocates, and collaborators in advancing innovation, policy, and practice in health tech, the CDC shares. In turn, it hopes this will translate into an impactful network capable of strengthening local innovation ecosystems and amplifying youth leadership across the continent.
Amazon One Medical announces weight management programme spanning primary care, pharmacy, and virtual care
Amazon One Medical has announced a weight management programme connecting GLP-1 management with primary care, Amazon Pharmacy, and virtual care. Patients reportedly benefit from a “fully integrated” care journey comprising pre-visit screening, consultations, follow-up visits, and treatment algorithms with built-in safety protocols.
The programme is intended to help clinicians to monitor patient progress, make adjustments to treatment, and address related health conditions within the primary care setting. Prescriptions can be organised through Amazon Pharmacy, with telehealth options available for prescription renewals.
