Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, or DIGITAL, is supporting Brightshores Health System's Office of Research and Innovation Project aimed at revolutionizing wound care technology.
Brightshores is spearheading the creation of an Advanced AI Wound Care Network to create and adopt innovative wound care technology designed to provide precise measurements and assessments of wounds.
The technology can capture detailed images of wounds, coupled with a digital dashboard and documentation system enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Using AutoDepth TM clinicians can quickly and accurately measure visible wound depth, SmartTissue TM predicts wound tissue types and HealingIndex TM uses AI to identify at-risk wounds.
"This project heralds a new era in wound care management, offering a transformative solution to address the pressing healthcare needs of our community," stated Dr. Rebecca Brookham, Director, Office of Research & Innovation, Brightshores Health System. "With a high burden of wounds, particularly those associated with diabetes, and limited resources to assess patients across our 6 sites, the adoption of this technology will significantly enhance our capabilities."
The technology has the potential to standardize wound assessments across all sites, which would allow for optimized resource allocation and expedited care for priority cases. And that could lead to reduced healing time and faster access to care.
“DIGITAL is excited to build upon the over 5 years of investments we’ve made in applied AI with this latest announcement,” said Nadia Shaikh-Naeem, Vice President of Programs at DIGITAL. “We look forward to the potential of the partnerships within the Advanced AI Wound Care Network to deploy Swift Medical’s enhanced woundcare solution within urban, rural and Indigenous communities by working alongside partners such as Brightshores Health System, Giishkaandago'Ikwe Health Services and the University of Northern British Columbia’s Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North. This latest announcement is an example of how Canada can increase equitable access and better health outcomes for Canadians through AI adoption and community partnerships.”
"DIGITAL’s co-investment in this project is supported through the Technology Commercialization stream within their specialized Horizon AI program: DIGITAL’s national program that seeks to capture Canada’s economic potential for applied AI. With additional program streams focused on emerging market opportunities and talent development, the Technology Commercialization stream co-invests alongside Canadian industry and academia in AI projects that support the resiliency and sustainability of health care systems and advance health care in ways that support healthy living, accessibility and delivering positive outcomes," said a statement from Brightshores.
The implementation of the Advanced AI Wound Care Network is expected to empower frontline healthcare staff with a mobile tool capable of delivering accurate and standardized wound descriptions, which can assist in escalation and prioritization to the Nurse Specialist in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOC). Clinicians will use AI predictions to guide them in their care decisions, which should result in improved patient outcomes and continuity of care.
Diana Ryman, Director of Quality and Safety, at Brightshores Health System, noted "We are thrilled about the potential impact of this technology on both our providers and patients. By placing this powerful tool in the hands of our frontline staff, we are paving the way for enhanced clinical decision-making, streamlined workflows, and ultimately, improved patient experiences."