New AI research to boost ambulance response, skin cancer screening

Enhancing ambulance response using ML

New research at the Victoria University of Wellington seeks to apply machine learning models to improve emergency response times. 

Backed by a grant from New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the study is developing ML models that reportedly analyse an emergency and its urgency to identify which ambulance can respond appropriately in an event to minimise response times. 

“There is a clear link between patient mortality and response times. Our goal is to improve the average response times of our emergency services to better utilise existing resources to ensure they are available for those who need them most. Literally, every minute matters,” explained Jordan MacLachlan, the study’s author and a Computer Science doctorate student at Victoria University of Wellington.

Combining 3D total body, AI for faster melanoma screening

The Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation is conducting a study to test whether a combination of AI and 3D total body photography will speed up and enhance skin cancer imaging. 

Backed by A$3 million ($2 million) funding from the Australian federal government’s Medical Research Future Fund, the project focuses on improving skin cancer detection in regional and rural communities, where less than a tenth of the country’s dermatologists practise. 

According to a media release, the project, which also seeks to inform work towards a national melanoma screening programme, will be carried out at nine regional hospitals and healthcare centres across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. 

Telstra Health adds remote maternity solutions

Telstra Health and digital maternity care company HeraMED have tied up to introduce remote maternity solutions to GPs. 

HeraMED’s HeraCARE will be a new addition to Telstra Health’s Smart Connected Care, its single gateway for digital health solutions for streamlining workflows and connecting care. 

Based on a media release, HeraCARE will be soft launched to a group of GPs using Telstra Health before making a full rollout by the yearend. 

This partnership builds on HeraMED’s initial integration with Telstra Health’s MedicalDirector in November last year.