Putting people at the heart of health

How do you make integrated care the future of health in Australia? The key is collaboration.

Envisioning and implementing integrated care is full of challenges.

But in an ideal health system, that prioritises people-centred care, critical resources and processes come together to keep people healthy and address their needs and preferences when they are unwell.

Researchers at RMIT are engaging deeply in innovative and collaborative research to shape the future of health.

Predictive analytics to keep more aged care residents out of Emergency

Emergency hospitalisations are not only stressful for aged care residents and their families, but they also place significant additional demand on hospitals. Being able to treat residents earlier, and avert the need for hospitalisation, is vital.

New software to analyse the clinical data of aged care residents for signs of deteriorating health aims to reduce emergency hospitalisations and allow more time for end of life plans.

The clinical decision support software is being developed as part of Telstra Health’s residential aged care software suite, in a $1 million partnership between RMIT, Telstra Health and the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre.

Blueprint for building a lived experience workforce

People with personal experience of mental health challenges offer unique insight and are well-placed to support those working in and using mental health services.

But how can an organisation harness that knowledge and experience? With the help of a toolkit for embedding people with experience of mental health challenges into public, private and NGO workplaces.

Developed by RMIT researchers and funded by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, the comprehensive framework provides practical advice and resources for any organisation employing or looking to employ lived experience staff.

Australian launch of digital health ecosystem

Strengthening the connections between patients, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, technology providers and the community - that’s the critical challenge being addressed by a new digital health ecosystem.

The Melbourne Ecosystem – the first of its kind in Australia – brings together people in the health and social care sectors to break down silos, open up opportunities for collaboration and support innovation in patient-centred design.

RMIT partnered with the European Connection Health Alliance (ECHAlliance) to launch the ecosystem, which joins an international network of digital health ecosystems across three continents.

Game changer: New software for stroke rehab

Early and intensive rehabilitation after a stroke leads to improved functional outcomes, but only 50% of patients receive adequate therapy.

A new touch-screen therapy tool designed for people with acquired brain injuries could accelerate recovery and change the way rehabilitation is delivered in hospitals and homes.

Currently being trialled at Sydney’s Prince of Wales hospital, the digital technology features a range of therapeutic games and enables therapists to remotely monitor recovery, to deliver tailored treatment programs.

Wearable tech lends an ear to lonely elderly

The health consequences of loneliness and isolation are significant, ranging from disrupted sleep and high blood pressure to increased depression and lower immunity.

To help improve quality of life for elderly Australians at risk of loneliness, RMIT researchers partnered with aged care provider Bolton Clarke to develop the CaT Pin, a wearable device that tracks wearer’s conversation and sends alerts to family or carers at signs of social isolation.

The technology works by monitoring baseline conversations and word count throughout the day then prompting social contact when levels drop too low.

The complex challenges we face as a society call for shared solutions. Join local and international leaders across industry, research and innovation, as we identify collaborative opportunities to shape our future. Find out more at Engaging for Impact 2020 (4-6 February).

Story: Gosia Kaszubska

21 January 2020

21 January 2020

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Putting people at the heart of health