A groundbreaking AI-powered tool developed by Telstra Health and RMIT University is set to transform how aged care facilities monitor and manage residents’ health. The tool, which predicts risks like falls, depression, and even mortality, is designed to alleviate pressure on nursing staff and improve the quality of care in the sector.
With nearly half a million older Australians relying on aged care services, the sector faces mounting challenges. The collaboration between Telstra Health, RMIT University, and the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre has resulted in an AI-driven tool that can automatically monitor electronic patient records and predict health deterioration. Dr. Tabinda Sarwar, the project lead, explains that the tool tracks 36 evidence-based indicators of health risks, which helps nursing staff respond proactively to residents’ needs.
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This innovation comes at a crucial time, as aged care facilities are under significant strain due to the high workload of nursing staff, who often find manual screening tools impractical. By applying machine learning and natural language processing techniques, the AI tool generates alerts for potential health events before they occur, providing more time for care teams to intervene.
Already deployed in over 360 facilities across Australia, the tool has garnered recognition, winning the 2024 Research Australia’s Digital & Data Health Innovation Award. Its success is expected to extend beyond aged care, with the potential for wider applications in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
