In October 2022, Smartz won the Kerrin Rennie Award for Excellence in Medical Technology – Improving Quality of Life. The award was established to recognise and profile the innovative and extraordinary contribution of medical technology in improving health outcomes of Australian patients.
Smartz monitors patient wellness including 2 significant issues affecting the elderly in residential aged care facilities; incontinence and pressure injuries.
Smartz also helps efficiency of staff time by reducing unnecessary diaper checks whilst also significantly reducing the invasive manual practices currently used to check when diapers need changing.
There was also a potential reduction in the number of diaper changes by changing the diaper only when really needed thus saving time, and improving toileting routines. These benefits may result in lower overall cost, fewer hospital admissions for UTIs, less waste, and more significantly, better individualised care.
Clinical study results have shown that the time residents are left in wet diapers significantly reduces when carers are alerted when the diaper has reached capacity. This reduces the risk of incontinence associated dermatitis (IAD) and UTIs.
Neina Fahey from the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) spoke with Peta Jurd, Smartz AG Commercial Director about winning the award.
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Jamie Stanistreet talks Medical Technology
Jamie Stanistreet
Retired Managing Director Medtronic Australia and New Zealand
talks Medical Technology in Australia and the Asia-Pacific -
National Cancer Plan activates Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network
The landscape of cancer care in Australia is set to transform with the Australian Government launch in May 2024 of the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) at the Innovations Showcase event, hosted by Cancer Australia in Sydney, Australia.
The ACCN is a nationally integrated system of cancer care, aimed at enhancing patient experiences and outcomes through coordinated and equitable access, by linking to comprehensive cancer services across Australia. Anchored by Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs), the ACCN strives to deliver evidence-driven prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support to all Australians affected by cancer.
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Mission to raise awareness of sarcoma and need for clinical trial funding
Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, remains the deadliest cancer for children and young adults, accounting for nearly one third (30%) of cancer-related deaths among those aged 15–24 and one tenth (10%) of those aged 0–14. Further, still severely under-diagnosed, sarcoma only accounts for one sixth (15%) of all cancer diagnoses in the 15 – 24 age group, and less than a tenth (8%) among children under 10.
