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Booster Bookings For Vulnerable 12-15-Year Olds Are Now Open

Booster Bookings For Vulnerable 12-15-Year Olds Are Now Open

The national booking service has been modified so that the most vulnerable members of this generation can get a booster shot as soon as they are eligible. Household contacts of critically immunocompromised individuals are still being identified by GP-led teams and specialists in order to set them up for their vaccine. Parents and guardians of eligible children have already received 6,400 invitations to have their children vaccinated by a local GP-led team.

The NHS will write to the 4,400 people who are currently qualified, to invite them to use the national booking service. At the end of last year, the government accepted recommendations from the JCVI to expand the booster initiative to at-risk 12- 15-year-olds, providing a boost in protection to individuals with an underlying medical condition that puts them clinically at risk.

Until date, GP-led teams have vaccinated families and their children who are eligible, including those having radiotherapy or chemotherapy, those with leukaemia, chronic diseases, diabetes, or severe mental illness. Although only about 4,400 12- to 15-year-olds are currently eligible, thousands more will become qualified 12 weeks after their second vaccination in the following weeks and months.

The NHS programme has helped avert roughly 157,000 hospitalizations since mid-December, according to research from the UK Health Security Agency. Children’s lives, particularly their schooling, has been considerably disrupted over the last couple of years, and every parent wants to do everything they can to safeguard their little ones while they are in school, said GP and Deputy SRO for the NHS COVID Vaccination Programme, Nikki Kanani. 

However, when a family is further worried about what COVID might imply for a very ill kid, giving them their top-up boost in coverage when they become entitled is critical, she adds. For young people aged 12 to 15 who are clinically at risk, a booster is required three months following their second dosage, with families now finding it even easier to get their child scheduled in and safeguarded at a convenient vaccination site nearby.

Over 800,000 young people aged 12 to 15 have got a second jab as a result of the largest and most effective vaccination campaign in health history, which has provided nearly 32 million boosters to more than four out of five eligible adults.

The NHS has gone to great lengths to make vaccines as painless as possible for children, with therapy dog Ruby in Nottingham helping to calm anxiety and a mini-toy town in the Black Country where children can play hopscotch, a treasure hunt, and a snake and ladders game post-inoculation.

The original distribution of first and second jabs to the group was driven by school-led vaccination teams, and while schools continue to jab, qualified 1215 year olds can also book their first and second vaccinations through the national booking service.

Twelve to fifteen-year-olds who are clinically at risk or who live with someone who is immunocompromised are eligible for their booster three months after receiving the two primary doses, with those who are severely immunocompromised being eligible for their booster after receiving a third primary dose. There are approximately 55,000 immunocompromised young people in all, and the advent of the online booking option tends to make it even simpler for families to get their child scheduled and protected at an established and handy vaccination centre.

How To Find The Right Psychiatrist For Your Needs: 6 Things To Look For

How To Find The Right Psychiatrist For Your Needs: 6 Things To Look For

Finding a psychiatrist can be difficult because there are so many different psychiatrists to choose from. But luckily, we are here to provide you with six things to look for when seeking the right psychiatrist for your needs. These include qualifications, experience, mood disorders they specialize in, medication and treatment plans, insurance coverage, and more!

1. Check Their Qualifications

The first thing you should always check when looking for a new psychiatrist is their qualifications. Make sure they have the proper education and licenses to practice in your state. You can usually find this information on their website or through online directories. This is one of the most important steps when finding a psychologist because you want to make sure they are credible and can help you with your specific needs. Also, their qualifications should be a match for your insurance plan.

2. Consider Their Experience

Another important factor to consider when choosing a psychiatrist is their experience. This includes how long they have been in practice, what type of patients they typically see, and what kind of treatments they are familiar with. You will want to choose a psychiatrist who has plenty of experience treating patients with similar issues as you. This way, you can be confident that they will know how to best help you and that you will be comfortable working with them.

3. Check Mood Disorder Specialization

Many psychiatrists specialize in different mood disorders. Some may specialize in anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, or other conditions. It is important to find a psychiatrist who specializes in the mood disorder you are struggling with. This way, you can be sure that they have the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively treat your condition. For example, if you are struggling with depression, you would want to find a psychiatrist who specializes in depression treatment.

4. Make Sure They Offer Medication and Treatment Plans

One of the most important things to look for in a psychiatrist is whether or not they offer medication and treatment plans. This is essential because you want to make sure that you are getting the help you need. If a psychiatrist only offers medication, they may not be able to provide you with the comprehensive care that you need. But if they offer both medication and therapy, you can be sure that they will be able to help you in the best way possible. This is also important because not all psychiatrists offer the same type of treatment. Some may only offer medication, while others may only offer therapy.

5. Check Insurance Coverage

It is also important to check insurance coverage when looking for a new psychiatrist. Not all psychiatrists accept all types of insurance plans, so you will want to make sure they accept your plan. This way, you wonโ€™t have to worry about paying for treatment out-of-pocket. If you are without health insurance, or if your insurance doesn’t cover mental health services, finding a psychiatrist can be difficult. Many psychiatrists only accept patients who have insurance because they know they will be reimbursed for their services. If you don’t have insurance, you may want to look into getting coverage or see if there are any sliding-scale clinics in your area. Most psychiatrists accept a variety of insurance plans, but it’s always best to call and ask ahead of time. This will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.

6. Ask Questions and Get Referrals

Finally, donโ€™t be afraid to ask questions when meeting with potential psychiatrists. This is your chance to learn more about their experience, qualifications, treatments, and insurance coverage. You can also get referrals from friends or family members who have seen a good psychiatrist in the past. Taking the time to find the right psychiatrist for your needs is essential to getting the help you need. The most important questions you should ask include:

  • How long have you been practicing psychiatry?
  • What is your specialization?
  • Do you offer medication and treatment plans?
  • What type of insurance do you accept?
  • Are you available to see me every week?
  • Can I call you between appointments if I have any questions or concerns?

It is also important to ask the psychiatrist any other questions that are important to you. This will help you make the best decision possible for your needs.

Finding the right psychiatrist for your needs is essential to getting the help you need. There are a few things you should keep in mind when looking for a new psychiatrist, including experience, specialization, medication and treatment plans, insurance coverage, and referrals. By following these tips, you can be sure to find the best possible care for your needs.

Global LIMS Market To Reach $3.56bn By 2030 In Recent Study

Global LIMS Market To Reach $3.56bn By 2030 In Recent Study

A recent analysis found that the worldwide laboratory information management system (LIMS) industry is expected to be valued at $3.56 billion by 2030. Growing market for lab technology, investments in the life sciences sector, demand for outsourcing services, and technical improvements are all driving the seven percent compound annual growth (CAGR).

Boosting market growth

Several market players, including LIMS, released unique lab automation solutions to help tackle disturbances induced by the COVID 19 pandemic, according to the research. According to the authors, the COVID-19 LIMS initiated by LabVantage to better handle extraordinary intensities in lab workloads and volume due to the pandemic, and an effort initiated by Ovation focused around the cloud-based LIMS to allow independent labs to widen their capacity and improve testing capabilities,  are two critical examples.

Another growth driver is greater investment in pharmaceutical and biotechnology R&D, as rising need for lab automation is likely to boost LIMS sales. Furthermore, the authors claim that emerging economies have tremendous development potential, citing China, Singapore, India, Brazil, and numerous Middle Eastern nations as major forthcoming markets for LIMS.

Growth of the LIMS section

North America had the highest share of the revenue in 2021, according to the research, due to favourable government efforts, demand for genetic studies, and increased regional government R & D investments. However, due to rising demand for outsourced services and increased R & D spending, Asia-Pacific is expected to develop at the quickest rate from 2022 to 2030. Furthermore, several biopharmaceutical companies are relocating their manufacturing facilities to Asia Pacific to take advantage of the lower cost of production, though the possible impact is unclear given the pandemic’s stress on interested parties in advanced economies to reduce their reliance on Asian countries and return to in-house operations.

Cloud-based systems led by product in 2021, and these LIMS are expected to grow at the greatest rate between now and 2030. The other LIMS offerings are also web-based.

As a result of greater lab technology requiring implementation, maintenance, and support, the service sector was larger than software in 2021 in terms of components.

Due to rising demand for outsourcing to reduce operating costs, the contract manufacturing organisation segment is predicted to grow at the fastest rate among end users throughout the forecast period.

The 6 Main Benefits Of Investing In Your Beauty

The 6 Main Benefits Of Investing In Your Beauty

The benefits of investing in beauty are many and varied. When you invest in your beauty, you send a message to yourself and the world that you respect and value yourself. You see, beauty is not just about what others think of us. Itโ€™s also about how we feel about ourselves. When we take care of our appearance, we feel better mentally and emotionally.

And that improved self-image can carry over into every area of our lives. A more polished appearance can lead to promotions at work or more lucrative business opportunities. So let’s take a look at the benefits of investing in beauty.

A Non-Invasive Facelift Can Make You Look Younger

One of the main benefits of investing in beauty is that you can look younger without surgery. A non-invasive facelift can take years off your appearance and make you look more refreshed. The results might not be permanent, but they can last for months at a time. So if you want to look younger without going under the knife, a non-invasive facelift is a good option. Look at online resources to find everything you need to know about a non-invasive facelift, this is important if you are considering this type of beauty investment. You will be able to make an informed decision.

Increased Self-Confidence

When we feel good about how we look, our self-confidence increases. This confidence can spill over into all areas of our lives, from our personal relationships to our professional achievements. So if youโ€™re looking for an increase in self-confidence, look no further than investing in your beauty.

When we look good, we feel good. And when we feel good, we are more confident. This confidence comes across in our interactions with others. We might be more likely to speak up in meetings or social situations. We might also be more likely to take risks and go after what we want in life. So if you want to feel more confident, invest in your beauty. You wonโ€™t regret it!

You’ll Age Better

One of the best things about investing in your beauty is that you can help to age better. When we take care of our appearance, we send a message to our cells that we want to stay young. And over time, this care will show in our skin. We might not look younger, but we will look healthier and more youthful. So if you want to age gracefully, invest in your beauty. Itโ€™s definitely worth it!

You Can Improve Your Health and Appearance

When you take care of your health and appearance, you improve both at the same time. Just think about all of the things you can do to improve your appearance: get a new haircut, wear flattering clothes, get a good skincare routine going. And when it comes to your health, there are many things you can do as well: eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. So by investing in your beauty, youโ€™re really investing in your overall health and well-being.

Attract More Attention From the Opposite Sex

Itโ€™s no secret that attractive people tend to get more attention from the opposite sex. And when it comes to attraction, beauty is definitely a factor. So if you want to attract more attention from the opposite sex, invest in your beauty. First impressions matter, and when you look good, you make a great first impression.

High-Quality Clothes Last Longer

While it might be expensive to invest in high-quality clothes, they last a lot longer than cheaper options. So in the long run, youโ€™re actually saving money by investing in quality clothes. Plus, when you wear high-quality clothes, you feel more confident and polished. And that confidence will show through in all areas of your life. By dressing well, youโ€™re more likely to feel beautiful so make sure to pick the clothes that flatter your body type and that you will love wearing. Throw out or donate any clothes that you don’t use and get some new ones that you will be comfortable in.

When you invest in your beauty, youโ€™re really investing in yourself. Youโ€™re telling yourself that you matter, that youโ€™re worth it. And when you feel good about yourself, it shows. You might be more likely to take care of your health, dress better, and speak up in social situations. Youโ€™ll also look better โ€“ and that can have a huge impact on your life. So these are some of the main benefits of investing in your beauty.

As you can see, there are many reasons to do it! So go ahead and start taking care of yourself today. You wonโ€™t regret it!

What Injured Patients Should Know About Workers’ Compensation

What Injured Patients Should Know About Workers' Compensation

Getting injured in an accident can be a scary experience, regardless of the circumstances. The impact on physical and mental health can be devastating, and there are also financial implications to consider.

Because many accidents happen in the workplace, companies must have workersโ€™ compensation coverage. Workers injured while performing their duties can demand compensation for all expenses incurred due to their injury.

Here is what injured patients should know about workersโ€™ compensation.

Who is Entitled to Workersโ€™ Compensation Benefits?

To get benefits for a work-related injury or illness, you must have a legally binding employment contract. In addition, your employer must carry workersโ€™ compensation insurance. Most companies provide workersโ€™ compensation insurance for all their full-time and part-time employees; however, there are exceptions.

If youโ€™ve been injured at work, you must report your injury and file a claim to demand compensation. An important thing to remember is that each state has a deadline for filing claims. Missing the deadline will rob you of the chance to get benefits, regardless of the severity of your injury.

What Does Workersโ€™ Compensation Cover?

Workersโ€™ compensation covers the costs of medical treatment, which can be high, especially if the patient requires long-term care. Injured workers must seek urgent assistance after the accident. The medical reports are critical documents in the settlement process. As a patient under workerโ€™s compensation, you will receive all forms of medical treatment that healthcare professionals deem necessary.

The law says that injured employees must be compensated for all present and future medical expenses and lost earnings. They must also receive compensation for all the costs associated with professional retraining if they cannot return to their old job position after the accident.

An accident can leave an injured person and their family completely helpless financially, so workersโ€™ compensation must include all tangible and intangible losses.

Is Your Accident Covered?

Workersโ€™ compensation insurance covers many work-related injuries and illnesses within certain limits. If youโ€™ve been injured at work, the circumstances of your accident will be reviewed thoroughly by the entities responsible for accepting your claim.

Can the insurance company refuse your claim? It can happen in the following circumstances:

  • A drug or alcohol testing procedure reveals that you were under the influence at the time of the accident.
  • Your injury is self-inflicted.
  • The accident occurred because you acted against the law.
  • You were injured while off the clock.

Workers injured while doing something for the benefit of the employer must demonstrate they were obeying all laws and internal safety rules at the time of the accident.

Final Words ย 

A workplace injury can affect a personโ€™s ability to earn a living, so financial compensation is often the only way for the injured person to avoid massive debt. Workers’ compensation provides peace of mind to millions of workers worldwide.

If youโ€™ve been the victim of an accident in the workplace, learn more about your rights. Take the proper steps to ensure you will get fair compensation for the emotional and financial distress you may experience due to your injury.

How To Protect Your Child’s Mental Health

How To Protect Your Child's Mental Health

Mental health is a huge concern. According to the World Health Organization, depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Mental health problems can start early in life and profoundly impact children and adolescents. There’re steps you can take as a parent to protect your child’s mental health. Here are a few.

Take Care Of Your Mental Health

A healthy parent means a healthy child. It would help if you took care of your mental health as well. Seek treatment if you struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. Professionals at Alta Loma are licensed for mental conditions such as schizophrenia, personality disorders, and drug addiction.

Additionally, model healthy coping and problem-solving skills for your child. Let them know it’s okay to ask for help when they’re struggling.

Create a Healthy Home

Creating a healthy home environment is critical in safeguarding childrenโ€™s mental health. Provide nutritious meals and opportunities for physical activity. Create rules and expectations that are reasonable and consistent.

Additionally, foster a positive relationship with your child. Spend time talking, playing, and listening to them. Create fun activities such as indoor games, outdoor activities, and family outings.

Encourage Positive Coping Skills

It’s also important to encourage positive coping skills. Help your child learn how to deal with stress in healthy ways. Teach them how to express their feelings and encourage them to stay active by engaging in activities they enjoy.

Also, help children develop a strong sense of self-identity and positive self-esteem. You might not always shield the children from certain calamities, but coping skills enable them to sail through the storms.

Talk About Mental Health

Make sure your child knows that it’s okay to talk about mental health. Normalize the conversation by positively talking about mental issues. Let your child know that there is no shame in having a mental health problem. Seek help if you are struggling to have these conversations. Some things to address during your conversations are:

  • What is a mental health problem?
  • How do people get mental health problems?
  • What are some signs that someone might have a mental health problem?
  • How can you get help if someone has a mental health problem?

Monitor Your Child’s Social Media Use

Social media has a profound impact on mental health. Be sure to monitor your child’s social media use. Keep track of websites they visit and the content they post. Set rules for how much time they can spend on social media. Talk to them about the impact of social media on mental health. Additionally, know their friends are and what they do together.

Monitor Your Child’s Behavior

Be aware of your child’s behavior. Look for signs of depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, talk to their doctor. They can provide you with resources and support. Some things that can indicate mental health problems are:

  • Withdrawing from friends and activities
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Poor school performance
  • Persistent sadness or irritability
  • Excessive anger or violence
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Build A Supportive Community

It takes a village to raise a child; therefore, build a supportive community of family and friends. Ask for help when you need it, and lean on your community for guidance. Additionally, encourage your children to participate in community activities. Doing so can boost their self-esteem and social skills. Volunteer often and teach the children to assist others in need.

Encourage Open Communication

Encourage your children to talk to you about their thoughts and feelings. Let them know that you are there to listen and support them. Promote positive communication in your home by not judging, cutting off, or lecturing your child. Instead, try to understand their perspective and offer guidance.

Ask For Help When You Need It

Remember that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. There are many resources available to you and your family. Most importantly, guide your mental health conversations with love, patience, and understanding.

Clinicians now access Wolters Kluwer’s real-time sepsis monitoring alerts within EHR at Tift Regional Medical Center

Wolters Kluwer launches 5 Forces for the Future series reimagining healthcare post-COVID-19

Wolters Kluwer, Health announced that Tift Regional Medical Center, the flagship hospital of Southwell, a Georgia not-for-profit health system, has integrated POC Advisor, its sophisticated sepsis algorithm and monitoring solution, into the hospitalโ€™s Cerner electronic health record (EHR) workflow. The integration is aimed at improving early sepsis identification and care delivery and reducing alert fatigue. Presenting alerts within the Cerner workflow, POC Advisor delivers highly accurate sepsis identification and bundle compliance that clinicians can trust.

Marie Roof, Chief Information Officer at Tift Regional HospitalMarie Roof, Chief Information Officer at Tift Regional Medical Center, said, โ€œOur focus is really on improvements in quality overall. We selected POC Advisor to move the mark on clinical quality metrics, including sepsis bundle compliance.โ€ She continued, โ€œWe understand the key to driving improvements is communicating timely patient status changes to clinicians. Accurate and early identification of sepsis is the first step toward driving improvements for bundle compliance and ultimately length of stay reduction and overall patient outcomes.โ€

Motivated by improved sepsis care

Before choosing a comprehensive sepsis surveillance solution that integrates with their EHR, Tift had a fragmented approach to identify sepsis patients and manage sepsis performance. Low-quality alerts were often ignored, and nurses were managing SEP-1 bundle compliance with manual processes. The bedside teams were concerned with alert fatigue, inefficiency, and the potential for missing important steps in care.

With the Cerner EHR integration, POC Advisor detects sepsis patients and, as doctors and nurses access the patient record, POC Advisor displays alerts along with Tiftโ€™s sepsis order sets, which ensure evidence-based care is consistently delivered. In addition to point of care alerting, Tiftโ€™s sepsis coordinator uses POC Advisorโ€™s central monitoring dashboard to surveil the entire hospital and ensure sepsis patients receive care that complies with the sepsis bundle.

โ€œWe respect best in breed. The solution available to us in the EHR had low sensitivity and specificity for detecting and alerting on sepsis, and we do not have the developers on staff to create our own system,โ€ said Roof. โ€œChoosing a solution like POC Advisor gave us what we need and made implementing the solution across our hospital easy.โ€
Proven track record on sepsis management

โ€œWe are excited that Tift Regional Hospital chose POC Advisor as their sepsis monitoring solution and that our collaboration with Cerner ensured a seamless integration at the point of care,โ€ said Karen Kobelski, Vice President and General Manager for Clinical Surveillance, Compliance & Data Solutions at Wolters Kluwer, Health. โ€œSmarter, evidence-based alerts that work within a clinicianโ€™s workflow, instead of adding to it, are harder to dismiss and can lead to faster interventions for better sepsis outcomes.โ€

Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the health, tax & accounting, governance, risk & compliance, and legal & regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.

UPMC and Kyruus Launch Strategic Partnership to Transform Digital Patient Access and Care Navigation

MedAllies and CarePort Partner to Support Hospital Compliance with CMS Patient Event Notification Requirement

Kyruus, the leader in provider search and scheduling solutions for healthcare organizations, today announced that UPMC has entered into a strategic partnership with the company. The Pittsburgh-based healthcare provider and insurer is deepening its relationship with Kyruus through a direct investment into the company and collaboration around development of the Kyruus ProviderMatch? patient access platform.

UPMC became a Kyruus customer in 2019, creating a new systemwide provider directory and upgrading its online find-a-provider search experience with ProviderMatch for Consumers. Last year, UPMC expanded its relationship with Kyruus to enable consumers to find care and book appointments โ€” directly into the health systemโ€™s electronic health record โ€” within a single experience using ProviderMatch DirectBook.

โ€œWe have seen firsthand the power of the Kyruus solutions, with our patients benefitting from robust and user-friendly digital experiences to help them find and schedule the right point of care,โ€ said Joon Lee, M.D., president of UPMC Physician Services. โ€œWe look forward to deepening our partnership with Kyruus to support our organizationโ€™s digital patient access and care navigation goals.โ€

The partnership announcement comes at a time of growing patient preference for digital access channels and self-service tools. Recent research shows that healthcare organization and health plan websites are among the top online sources people consult to find new providers, services, and care sites. Additionally, 40% of healthcare consumers prefer to book medical appointments online โ€” a figure that has increased 15 percentage points over the past five years.

โ€œPeople look to their healthcare providers and health plans to help them find and navigate to the right care option. As such, these organizations have a significant opportunity to engage with their patients and members and to simplify the way people access care online,โ€ said Graham Gardner, M.D., CEO of Kyruus. โ€œUPMC is one of the organizations leading the way to create a connected, friction-free digital access experience, and we are honored that they have invested in Kyruus as a trusted partner in this journey. Together we can streamline access and care navigation and redefine how people connect with care.โ€

About UPMC

A $24 billion health care provider and insurer, Pittsburgh-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centered, cost-effective, accountable care. The largest nongovernmental employer in Pennsylvania, UPMC integrates 92,000 employees, 40 hospitals, 800 doctorsโ€™ offices and outpatient sites, and a 4.1 million-member Insurance Services Division, the largest medical insurer in western Pennsylvania. In the most recent fiscal year, UPMC contributed $1.7 billion in benefits to its communities, including more care to the regionโ€™s most vulnerable citizens than any other health care institution, and paid more than $900 million in federal, state and local taxes. Working in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC shares its clinical, managerial and technological skills worldwide through its innovation and commercialization arm, UPMC Enterprises, and through UPMC International. U.S. News consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside among the nationโ€™s best hospitals in many specialties and ranks UPMC Childrenโ€™s Hospital of Pittsburgh on its Honor Roll of Americaโ€™s Best Childrenโ€™s Hospitals.

About Kyruus

Kyruus helps healthcare organizations connect people with the right care across their key access points. The companyโ€™s industry-defining provider search and scheduling platform enables leading health systems, hospitals, and medical groups nationwide โ€“ spanning more than 300,000 providers โ€“ to attract and retain patients with a modern and consistent access experience. Robust provider data management forms the foundation of the platform, helping people find the right providers and care settings for their needs based on rich, system-wide information. To extend its impact on care navigation, Kyruus acquired HealthSparq in 2021 to bridge payer and provider access channels like never before.

Aster DM Healthcare signs with Siemens Healthineers to drive digital transformation

MSU Health Care Taps Epion Health to Drive Digital Patient Access

A leading healthcare provider in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has teamed up with Siemens Healthineers to accelerate its technological and digital transformation.

Aster DM Healthcare Group โ€“ which operates 27 hospitals, 118 medical clinics, 66 labs and patient experience centres, and 323 pharmacies in the Gulf region, plus India โ€“ has signed a seven-year partnership with the German company to upgrade its systems, develop further digital offerings, and support in training and capacity building in its GCC outlets, the business confirmed.

โ€œTechnology is changing at a rapid pace. At Aster Group, we are keen on adopting the technology systems, service levels, and integrated workflows that can help us [enhance] the patient experience and [provide] the highest standards of quality in the field of healthcare alike,โ€ said Alisha Moppen, Deputy Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare. โ€œWe also believe in the necessity of raising the level of healthcare, and we believe that strong partnerships with key stakeholders constitute the change factor that we see as essential in this sector in general.

โ€œWe are pleased to cooperate with Siemens Healthcare [as] part of a long-term partnership aimed at improving the healthcare services received by patients in the region.โ€

Eurohealth Systems (EHS), a Dubai-based firm that specialises in healthcare and advisory consultancy within the Middle East and North Africa โ€“ will facilitate the partnership, a key objective being workflow optimisation to improve clinical services.

Other key areas comprise continuous supply, maintenance, product lifecycle management, and medical technology.

Siemens Healthineers will also provide โ€œeducational servicesโ€ to medical professionals.

โ€œThe agreement between the two companies revolves around a comprehensive value partnership and a long-term, performance-based relationship that enhances the capabilities of the Aster DM Healthcare Group to optimise clinical operations and expand its capabilities,โ€ the Group elaborated in a statement. โ€œThe combination of medical technology systems and services included in the partnership will contribute to ensuring continuous access to the latest innovations in radiography technology and to enhancing the effectiveness of services across multiple sites.โ€

โ€œWe are pleased and honoured to enter into a long-term partnership with Aster DM Healthcare, which we believe will contribute to achieving the optimum level in workflows, facilitating digital connectivity, and ensuring continuous access to the latest radiographic technology solutions,โ€ said Ole Per Malloy, CEO of Siemens Healthineers for the Middle East, and South and East Africa. โ€œThis valuable partnership is an excellent example of the innovative power that we can harness as healthcare leaders come together to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient experience, enabling It aligns with Aster DM Healthcareโ€™s mission to provide high quality healthcare services at an affordable cost.โ€

Hani Abdel Sattar, EHS Director added: โ€œThis valuable partnership confirms that it is able to change the rules of the game in the market, using the capabilities of a leading group in providing healthcare services on the one hand and an expert medical technology company on the other hand, in order to create a very modern and tailored solution.โ€

National Heart Centre Singapore sets up AI research lab for cardiac imaging

Apollo Hospitals utilised decade-long patient data to develop an AI heart disease risk prediction tool

The National Heart Centre Singapore has opened a research laboratory for cardiac imaging that uses artificial intelligence to detect and predict cardiovascular diseases.

According to a press statement, the Cardiovascular Systems Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (CVS.AI) research laboratory is the “first of its kind” in Singapore and Southeast Asia to study the different aspects of heart diseases using various imaging methods, such as CT, MRI and nuclear imaging.

The 185-bed heart referral centre, which sees over 120,000 outpatients yearly, performed almost 17,000 heart scans last year.

The CVS.AI lab will leverage the large amount of information collected at NHCS to enhance the precision and efficiency of predicting and identifying cardiovascular diseases.

Specifically, the research lab aims to provide AI techniques in capturing and interpreting cardiac images; to conduct in-depth assessments of cardiovascular diseases among at-risk populations; and to discover complex patterns of cardiovascular diseases.

In 2020, nearly one in three deaths or 31.7% of total deaths in Singapore were due to CVDs, such as heart disease and stroke.

The NHCS has been integrating AI into cardiovascular care provision. With its ability to provide very detailed reports, the technology has enabled them to track and monitor disease progression, as well as manage and administer treatment for heart diseases at an early stage.

“We witness how AI can help us make sense of small and large pieces of data, and even predict future progression of disease, and its great potential to address challenges relating to diagnostics,” said Zhong Liang, technical lead of CVS.AI.

“Over time, this can potentially save costs, broaden accessibility of cardiac scans to patients, and improve overall healthcare for our population,” Terrance Chua, professor and medical director at NHCS, also said.

SingHealth, which the NHCS is part of, signed a three-year partnership with Singapore Innovate to further the adoption of AI and other emerging technologies in healthcare. The healthcare group also recently entered into a collaboration with National Supercomputing Centre Singapore and NVIDIA. As part of the partnership, they will support SingHealth’s Artificial Intelligence for Transformation of Medicine Programme, which works to develop AI algorithms that predict a patient’s risk of cardiovascular events.

Across Asia-Pacific, public and private stakeholders have also pursued initiatives to advance the application of AI in the diagnosis and prediction of heart diseases.

Omron Healthcare and Kyoto University in Japan have partnered to study the use of AI and home-recorded health data in predicting early signs of CVDs.

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials under the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT has developed a cardiovascular event prediction model by integrating deep learning tech from mechanical equipment with ultrasound imaging.

Australian medtech company Artrya in October unveiled Salix, an AI tool for diagnosing coronary heart disease, which it developed with researchers from the University of Western Australia. The diagnostic tool, which detects and assesses atherosclerotic plaque from CT scans, has been cleared for commercialisation in Australia.

 

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