People face several challenges when it comes to getting medical care. Cost is certainly a major factor here, and many patients can’t afford insurance to help cover the costs. That’s a bit of a vicious cycle in its own right, but it’s only one of the hurdles standing between people and the medical care they need. In many areas, there just aren’t enough clinics and doctors to go around. At the same time, a lack of diversity in healthcare teams leads to misunderstandings, mistrust, and many other problems.
Today’s healthcare facilities are up against an array of challenges as well. One of the most significant is a growing shortage of doctors and nurses. It’s among the main reasons why hospitals and clinics are struggling to provide care for everyone in their communities. It’s also playing a role in driving up the costs of care. That said, medical facilities can use temporary doctor placements to help combat those problems and many others.
Offsetting Staffing Shortages
For one, locum tenens providers can help offset the ongoing shortage of medical professionals. It’s affecting medical facilities across the country, but it’s particularly difficult for hospitals and clinics in rural and underserved areas. Bringing in doctors to fill temporary roles can help bridge the resulting gaps. Locum tenens providers can step in when medical facilities experience upticks in the demand for care or have vacant roles that need to be filled until they can find permanent team members. That, in turn, allows them to better meet patients’ needs.
Preventing Burnout
One of the reasons for the growing shortage of healthcare workers is burnout. Doctors and nurses have heavy workloads and often need to work long hours. To make matters even more difficult, medical facilities that are dealing with staffing shortages may not be able to give their team members time off when they need it.
Those issues are causing quite a few people to leave the medical field. They’re also contributing to high turnover rates for medical facilities. Locum tenens providers can help lighten the load and enable medical facilities to give their permanent team members much-needed time off. That can help reduce burnout and turnover rates.
More Access to Specialized Care
Additionally, locum tenens providers can enable medical facilities to give their patients better access to specialized care. Many medical facilities, especially smaller ones and those in the areas hit hardest by the ongoing shortage, don’t have full-time specialists in certain fields on staff. As such, they may not be able to provide all the care their patients need. For those that are dealing with issue, locum tenens providers who specialize in different fields can temporarily step in to help. They can allow medical facilities to provide more inclusive services for their patients without having to keep permanent specialists on staff.
Giving Patients a Higher Quality of Care
Both medical facilities and their patients are being affected by the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals and rising costs of care. Though those in some areas are feeling the effects more than others, no corner of the country is immune to the effects. Locum tenens providers are one of the keys to more sustainable healthcare delivery. They can fill temporary needs that arise due to many circumstances. In doing so, they enable medical facilities to better meet their patients’ needs as well as those of their permanent team members.
Hollister Incorporated, a global leader in ostomy, continence, wound care and critical care products has announced an €80m R&D investment and a digital transformation project that will create approximately 50 new jobs in Ballina.
The multimillion-euro investment aims to elevate Ballina into a global epicentre of expertise through novel device design and extensive site-wide training, setting a benchmark for digital transformation within Hollister’s global network.
This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.
Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD said:“This is a terrific day for Ballina and North Mayo with the announcement of 50 additional jobs for the region. Hollister is more than just a manufacturing plant in Ballina; it is one of the mainstays of our community. Today, second and third generations of families are employed there boosting the local economy and contributing to the everyday life of the town. I want to pay credit to Shane Caher and all of the staff in Hollister who have dedicated themselves to Ballina and to the West of Ireland but also to all of the past Hollister management and staff who’s work, and commitment is the foundation of the plant’s success today. Finally, I would like to acknowledge IDA Ireland for their continued support to Hollister and across Mayo. I very much look forward to what the next 50 years will bring for Hollister and Ballina”
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon TD, said: “This €80 million investment by Hollister Inc. is very welcome news. It is a powerful endorsement of Ballina’s skilled workforce and Ireland’s reputation as a hub for innovation in healthcare manufacturing. To see a long-standing employer, like Hollister, continue to grow and evolve through cutting-edge research and digital transformation is very encouraging. The creation of 50 new high-quality jobs will also bring economic and social benefits to the region. On behalf of the Irish Government, I thank Hollister for its continued commitment to Ballina and the West of Ireland, and I wish the team there the very best for the future and many more years of success here in Co. Mayo.”
Founded in 1921 in Illinois, the US MedTech manufacturer has been part of the fabric of Ballina since 1976, where it now employs almost 1000 people.
Hollister is currently recruiting in the areas of Engineering, Data Science and Business Services. To explore opportunities, visit Career Opportunities | Hollister IE
“We are thrilled to announce this significant milestone for Hollister Incorporated. Our commitment to innovation and excellence continues to drive us forward, and this investment in our research program and digital transformation project is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Shane Caher, Senior Director of Plant Operations and General Manager. “We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to deliver on Our Mission to make life more rewarding and dignified for those who use our products and services.”
IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: “Since 1976, Hollister has been creating jobs and investment in Co. Mayo. In the intervening near 50 years, Hollister has again and again committed to and delivered on its ambitions for its Irish operations. Supporting Hollister and companies across IDA Ireland’s client portfolio with R&D investment and digital transformation endeavours sits right at the heart of Adapt Intelligently: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth and Innovation 2025-29. I wish to congratulate Hollister and assure them of IDA Ireland’s continued support.”
If your hospital is struggling to build a credible reputation in the market, then you can consider working with a healthcare PR agency. Why? This can be a strategic investment that will go a long way in elevating your organisation’s image, building trust with important stakeholders, and eventually helping you in achieving and driving the objectives of your platform.
However, you need to be sure that you get the most out of this partnership; it’s crucial to outline and monitor the key performance indicators or metrics. What do these metrics do? Well, they provide you with loud evidence of whether your facility is creating an impact while assisting you in assessing the return on your investment.
Questions like “What are those key metrics?” might have popped into your mind. Don’t worry, as this blog is here to give you the relevant details related to the necessary metrics you need to track while collaborating with this PR agency.
Media Relations and Visibility
Media relations and visibility are the categories that pay immense attention to your platform’s ability to grab and secure positive media coverage, as that can do wonders in boosting your entity’s visibility in the long run as well. How is it done? Let’s discuss:
Number of Media Placements
In this situation, the number of media placements plays a massive role. How? This metric tracks the number of times your company or its name was mentioned in various relevant media outlets. This can be in the shape of online, print, and broadcast, providing a solid number to confirm if the agency’s efforts are fulfilling the purpose or not.
Quality Of Media Placements
Yes, on one side, quantity matters, but at the same time, you can’t ignore the quality of media placements. Therefore, you need to keep the following factors in mind:
Type of Publication
You need to stay vigilant and check the type of publication the agency is getting you published in. For instance, your platform should get covered in extremely respected publications, national news outlets, or influential blogs that have a huge target audience. Why? The reason is that these spaces add more weight as compared to watching your company’s name and images in smaller, less relevant magazines that wear the label of non-existence. So, if you are trusting their efforts, then this should be there.
Outlet Should Be Relevant
The agency shouldn’t be reaching out to random media outlets but the ones whose following is relevant to your target patient. For instance, it will be best if people like health care professionals, policymakers, or other well-known stakeholders follow the media outlet.
Analyze The Tone
Even if your medical organisation is receiving the desired media coverage, analyze the tone and sentiment of the situation. Examine whether it is negative, neutral, or positive, as you certainly won’t pay them for doing negative publicity. Hence, the PR agency should not leave any stone unturned in providing your company with either exceptionally positive or balanced reporting.
Inclusion of Key Message
You will want the key message of your medical facility to be correctly expressed in front of the media. Hence, keep your eyes open to see whether the healthcare PR agency is standing by their commitment as they promised, meaning does their team accurately communicate about your value propositions, and highlight or not.
Placement and Prominence
When your hospital’s name appears in a feature article, you can expect it to attract more views than just getting briefly mentioned in a broadcast segment. Hence, while working with a healthcare PR agency, see where their teams are mentioning your platform.
Media Reach and Impressions
You must have read about the terms impressions and reach, but you won’t know what they stand for. Impressions are another critical metric that gives the total number of times your hospital’s coverage was viewed. While reach shares the unique number of individuals who could have seen or heard about your hospital’s coverage. How are these rough figures calculated? It is done on the basis of circulation figures, the amount of traffic the particular website receives, or the number of viewership of all the relevant media options.
Content Marketing and Thought Leadership
Does your healthcare PR agency offer content marketing and thought leadership ideas in its package? If so, then be ready to track the following metrics:
Website Traffic and Engagement
After the PR agency posts some interesting content on your hospital’s site, you need to monitor changes on the website. For instance, look at the overall visits of the target audience you tried to reach, any unique visitors that were compelled to read through the posts or blogs on your website, the rate of bounce, and how much time is spent on your page. And from what source is this traffic coming from, such as organic, referral, or direct? In this way, you can assess the PR agency’s efforts to determine whether the partnership was a waste of time and money.
Performance Of The Blog
If the PR agency has filled your website’s blog section with plenty of blogs, then track the content’s performance. For instance, you should see how many views, comments, and shares the information receives. Plus, the time spent on the page.
Engagement on Social Media
Social media is seen as a vital tool, so the PR agency may use it for creating social media posts or promotional activities. Therefore, monitor metrics in the form of likes, shares, comments, and reach to know that their team’s efforts are working out.
Conclusion
We hope you are clear regarding the key metrics you need to check while working with a healthcare PR agency. Therefore, after signing a deal, try to follow as suggestions so you don’t end up wasting time and money.
The Danish-founded biotech company Pila Pharma looks to secure a partnership or acquisition within the next few years. The short-term goal is to advance the development of a promising new drug candidate for the treatment of obesity and diabetes.
Pila Pharma, listed on the Nasdaq First North stock exchange in Stockholm, has set a clear strategy for the future: Within a few years, the company aims to be acquired by or partner with an industry player capable of furthering and realizing its research in obesity and other metabolic diseases using TRPV1 inhibitors. The goal is to ensure that Pila Pharma’s potential new weight-loss pill reaches the market as quickly as possible.
– We have a promising drug candidate with a completely different side effect profile compared to other treatments currently in development or on the market. Our ambition is to progress the candidate over the next few years and then hand it over to a larger player who can take it to the next level. The global market is in dire need of effective obesity treatments, particularly scalable pill-based solutions, and we believe we could have a role to play in this development, says CEO Gustav H. Gram, adding:
– Since our founders’ discovery in 1999 and the company’s founding in 2014, we have made significant progress and gathered data that suggests we are on the right track. The next major step is to establish proof of concept for weight loss. We are the only company working with this specific type of molecule—TRPV1 inhibitors—as a novel therapeutic approach to treating obesity and other metabolic diseases. If we succeed, I firmly believe we will emerge as a strong and attractive candidate for partnership or acquisition.
A Scalable Pill Solution with a Different Side Effect Profile
Pila Pharma was founded by former Novo Nordisk researcher Dorte X. Gram, who was the first researcher to identify the molecule that later became semaglutide—the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy.
During her tenure at Novo Nordisk, she also discovered— blocking the TRPV1 receptor— could be a potential new mechanism for treating metabolic diseases. With the rise of GLP-1 treatments, Pila Pharma is entering a highly competitive market where unique advantages will determine success.
– In our research and development efforts, we are focused on generating clinical data on the safety and efficacy of XEN-D0501 for treating obesity and related conditions such as diabetes. Patients, physicians, and the industry are all seeking effective weight-loss treatments without common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If we can achieve this with an oral solution that can be scaled to meet market demand, we envision a future where more patients have better access to sustainable weight management options, says Dorte X. Gram. She elaborates:
– Approximately one-third of patients worldwide who use GLP-1 medications for severe obesity—such as Wegovy—discontinue treatment prematurely due to side effects, cost, and availability issues. If we can offer a scalable pill alternative based on small molecules, it will significantly improve accessibility and help patients adhere to their treatment plans.
A Major Opportunity for Pill-Based Obesity Treatments
Professor Jens Juul Holst from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen was among the first to discover the GLP-1 hormone in 1986, which plays a key role in stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas. Today, GLP-1 receptor agonists are used to treat type 2 diabetes and severe obesity.
He sees significant potential for pill-based obesity treatments in certain markets.
– In some parts of the world, injection-based treatments pose a challenge, making a pill a far more attractive option. This is particularly true in Asian and African markets, where needle phobia is widespread, creating an enormous market opportunity. This factor is highly relevant to pharmaceutical companies, many of which avoid investing in injectable drugs due to economic considerations, says Jens Juul Holst.
He also predicts that pricing will play a decisive role in the future:
– With several new drugs on the horizon, if they deliver on their promises, small-molecule pills are poised to become a major success. One key reason is that they can be sold at a significantly lower price point compared to biologic drugs, which require more complex manufacturing, says Jens Juul Holst.
The core asset of Pila Pharma is its TRPV1 inhibitor, XEN-D0501 – an orally administered tablet currently in Phase 2 clinical development. At the end of 2024, the company announced its engagement with regulatory authorities to define the optimal approach for its next clinical trial in obesity and diabetes.
UiPath a leadingenterprise automation and AI software company has announced that it has negotiated a new global consulting agreement with a major Electronic Medical Records (EMR) platform to accelerate professional services programmes for customers in 16 new countries. With the agreement, UiPath significantly expands its professional services capabilities for healthcare organisations and makes customer and partner access to this EMR platform faster and more seamless.
EMRs are the backbone of modern healthcare, connecting patients, providers, and payers with vital information. While these platforms enhance the patient-provider experience, the overwhelming volume of work needed in the EMR means many healthcare providers spend more time with data than with patients, billing administrators are saddled with claims, and IT departments must orchestrate interoperability between services.
With the new agreement, customers and partners can now gain access in days rather than weeks, and UiPath can work more closely with strategic regional partners to provide customers with expanded options in talent and price point. New locations supported beyond the U.S. and Canada include Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, and Sweden, among others.
Automation and AI can help providers by reducing administrative and clinical abrasion, increasing revenue integrity, and lower costs through optimising interoperability and application testing.
“The EMR market for hospital systems alone is expected to grow beyond $20 billion in 2025, which shows the worldwide dependency on major EMR platforms for providers, payers, and patients. Unfortunately, healthcare costs also continue to rise in parallel. Automation and agentic automation are powerful solutions to lower costs and improve efficiencies,” said Jason Warrelmann, Vice President of Industry Practice at UiPath. “With professional services from UiPath and its qualified partners, healthcare organisations have significantly greater access and resources to drive down costs and automate more end-to-end processes with the ultimate goal of better care and more fulfilling work for healthcare professionals.”
Critically, as agentic automation and agentic AI grow in adoption, UiPath can help customers and partners scale their support for agentic solutions. Agentic automation enables software agents, powered by large language models (LLMs), generative AI (GenAI), and large action models (LAMs), as well as other advanced AI, to take autonomous action. Agentic automation agents can perceive their environment, reason and ask questions about it, and formulate and execute a set of actions to achieve specific goals.
People do not need to structure and direct these agents’ work; rather, agents themselves can assess data, recognise patterns, formulate new questions, draw conclusions, structure processes to get the work done, and execute the work.
Click here to discover how UiPath can drive agentic automation and other automation transformation in healthcare.
The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Ireland’s oldest maternity hospital, has announced a collaboration with pioneering digital health company, Isla Health. The collaboration is set to transform patient care by delivering enhanced efficiencies for clinicians and patients and improving communication with diverse patient communities.
Isla is a powerful digital pathway platform for healthcare providers that supports patients throughout their care journey. The technology allows patients to securely and compliantly submit photos, videos, sound recordings, and forms from home. This data enables clinicians to detect complications, intervene faster, and improve patient outcomes to try and and avoid hospital presentations and admissions. Isla is transforming wound management at Rotunda, benefiting teams like the Day Assessment Unit (DAU), neonatal care, and NICU.
It enables clinicians to capture videos of newborns with complications, tracking mobility and recovery. During ward rounds, Isla helps monitor wounds over time, supporting clinicians to make informed decisions. Patients can also upload wound images remotely for review, to determine whether a face-to-face appointment is necessary. Additionally, Isla securely stores and shares educational resources via text or email, reducing healthcare costs and improving accessibility for patients.
Looking ahead, Isla will launch new projects in waitlist validation and post-op monitoring with the aim of reducing surgical site infections and enhancing patient care.
Richard Drew, Consultant Microbiologist at The Rotunda Hospital said: ‘This technology will allow for improved monitoring of surgical wounds, and a much better continuity of care in that photos can be used to review wound healing over time. Isla will also allow the Rotunda staff to electronically provide information leaflets to mothers which is more convenient for staff and mothers, while also saving money on postal costs.”
Peter Hansell, Co-founder and CEO of Isla Health said: ‘As someone with a background in healthcare, I understand that technology should empower healthcare professionals to focus on what matters most, which is patient care. Isla’s technology is designed to create better communication and coordination between clinicians and their patients. It is being used extensively in the UK for a range of healthcare needs to reduce waiting lists, prevent re-admissions where possible, and give clinicians the information they need to make informed diagnoses and treatment decisions. We are excited to be working with the Rotunda Hospital, to create a more efficient and connected care system that truly prioritises the needs of both patients and medical professionals.”
Founded in 2019, Isla Health supports all clinical specialties and is proud to partner with over 30 healthcare providers across the UK, now expanding its impact to Europe and beyond.
Isla is fully compliant with EU governance and data storage and protection requirements for healthcare providers, ensuring that all data handling practices meet the stringent standards set out by GDPR and relevant regulations.
As the global population ages, the need for innovative and sustainable senior care solutions has never been greater. By 2050, individuals aged 60 and above will comprise 22% of the global population.
This shift demands a reimagining of elder care, blending advanced technologies with human compassion to enhance the quality of life for older adults.
Beyond addressing immediate health concerns, the goal is to promote independence, dignity, and long-term well-being.
For families seeking peace of mind, services likelifeassure are making strides in providing seniors with personal emergency response systems.
These tools not only ensure safety but also allow aging individuals to maintain independence while staying connected with caregivers.
The Role of Technology in Senior Care
Transforming Elder Care Through Innovation Technology is revolutionizing senior care by making it more accessible, efficient, and personalized. Wearable health monitoring devices track vitals like heart rate and blood pressure in real-time, empowering caregivers with timely insights.
Smart home systems equipped with fall detection sensors, automated lighting, and voice-activated assistants create safe and functional environments for seniors to age in place.
For instance, telehealth services allow seniors to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for physical travel and ensuring timely medical advice.
This is particularly beneficial for those with mobility challenges or living in rural areas. According to research, 78% of telehealth users report satisfaction with the convenience and accessibility it offers.
Pro Tip: Introduce wearable devices gradually, starting with simpler gadgets like step trackers to help seniors adapt comfortably to technology.
Compassionate Care: The Human Element
Why Human Connection Matters While technology can address logistical challenges, it cannot replace the emotional bond that caregivers provide.
Compassionate care focuses on understanding seniors’ emotional, mental, and social needs. This approach ensures that older adults feel valued, respected, and connected, which significantly improves their overall well-being.
Studies show that seniors who experience consistent emotional support are less likely to face depression and loneliness, common issues in aging populations.
Caregivers who prioritize empathy foster a nurturing environment where seniors thrive, both physically and emotionally.
Striking a Balance Technology should be seen as a tool to complement, not replace, human care.
For instance, robotic companions can provide reminders for medication or daily tasks, but they work best when integrated into a care plan that includes regular interactions with family members or professional caregivers.
Key Technological Innovations Shaping Senior Care
Wearable Health Devices Modern wearable devices can monitor a range of health metrics, from heart rate variability to sleep patterns.
These devices send alerts to caregivers or healthcare providers in case of abnormalities, enabling quick responses to potential health crises.
Smart Homes for Seniors Smart home technology goes beyond convenience by enhancing safety. Fall detection systems, for example, can immediately notify emergency services, while automated lighting minimizes the risk of tripping in the dark.
Voice-activated assistants like Alexa or Google Home simplify daily tasks, helping seniors maintain their independence.
Telehealth and Remote Monitoring Telehealth has redefined how seniors access healthcare. Video consultations and remote monitoring reduce hospital visits and allow for ongoing care from the comfort of home.
This not only saves time but also reduces exposure to potential health risks in clinical settings.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics AI tools are increasingly being used to develop personalized care plans based on seniors’ medical history and daily activities.
Meanwhile, robotic caregivers can assist with physical tasks, such as lifting or mobility support, making it easier for professional caregivers to focus on emotional engagement.
The Importance of Balancing Tech and Compassion
Ethical Considerations The rise of technology in senior care brings ethical challenges, including privacy concerns and the risk of over-reliance on automated systems.
Seniors may feel dehumanized if interactions become solely transactional. Thus, ensuring that technology enhances rather than detracts from the caregiving experience is essential.
Adoption Challenges Among Seniors Many older adults face barriers when adopting new technology, such as difficulty understanding complex interfaces or fears about data security.
Providing clear instructions, offering training sessions, and involving family members in the process can alleviate these concerns.
Pro Tip: Choose user-friendly devices with simple interfaces designed specifically for seniors, and provide ongoing support to build their confidence.
Trends Shaping the Future of Senior Care
Holistic Health Approaches The future of senior care is increasingly leaning toward holistic models that address physical, emotional, and social well-being.
For example, wellness programs in senior living communities now include yoga, art therapy, and group activities that foster social connections.
Data-Driven Insights Data analytics will play a significant role in predictive care, helping healthcare providers anticipate potential health issues before they escalate.
For instance, analyzing patterns in sleep data can help identify early signs of cognitive decline.
Community-Centric Solutions Senior care is shifting from isolated, institutional models to community-based solutions that encourage active participation.
Intergenerational programs, where seniors interact with younger generations, are gaining traction as a way to combat loneliness and foster mutual learning.
Challenges in Implementing Technology
Caregiver Burnout While technology eases physical caregiving demands, it does not eliminate the emotional toll on caregivers.
Balancing work, personal life, and caregiving responsibilities often leads to burnout, affecting the quality of care provided. Support networks and mental health resources for caregivers are vital to sustainable care systems.
Systemic Barriers Healthcare systems can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially for seniors and their families.
Simplifying access to resources, streamlining insurance processes, and improving digital literacy are crucial steps in overcoming these barriers.
Resistance to Change Seniors accustomed to traditional care methods may resist adopting new technologies. It’s important to demonstrate the tangible benefits of these tools and provide a gradual introduction to minimize resistance.
Success Stories: Technology and Compassion in Action
Smart Home Adoption in Senior Living Communities In senior living facilities, smart home systems have dramatically improved resident safety and independence.
For example, motion sensors alert staff to potential falls, while voice-controlled devices allow seniors to control their environment without physical strain.
Telehealth for Rural Seniors Rural areas often lack immediate access to healthcare services.
Telehealth programs have bridged this gap, enabling seniors to consult with specialists and access regular checkups without traveling long distances.
How Families Can Support Seniors in Tech Integration
Families play a pivotal role in helping seniors embrace technology. Begin by selecting devices tailored to their needs and comfort levels.
For instance, a smartwatch with a fall detection feature might be a great starting point. Encourage open conversations about privacy and security to address any concerns they might have.
Additionally, involve seniors in decision-making. Empowering them to choose their tools fosters a sense of control and reduces resistance.
Regularly check in to ensure the technology is functioning as expected and meeting their needs.
The Future Outlook for Senior Care
As we move toward a future where technology and compassion intertwine seamlessly, the possibilities are limitless.
Emerging innovations like AI-powered diagnostics, virtual reality therapy, and autonomous mobility aids promise to redefine aging experiences.
However, the focus must remain on preserving dignity, fostering connections, and creating a sense of belonging for older adults.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about new technologies by subscribing to senior care newsletters or participating in local workshops that explore innovative caregiving tools.
Conclusion
The future of senior care lies in achieving harmony between cutting-edge technology and compassionate caregiving.
By integrating tools that enhance safety, health monitoring, and social connections with empathetic human interactions, we can create environments where seniors thrive.
Families, caregivers, and healthcare providers must work together to ensure that the elderly feel valued, respected, and empowered to live fulfilling lives.
After all, combining tech and compassion isn’t just about better care—it’s about building a better world for everyone.
Irish healthcare provider Vida Care is ramping up its plans to open ten preventative health screening and testing clinics in Ireland after closing a funding round which has generated €1 million from investors.
The company has already spent another €1 million developing its business model and opening its first three clinics and has screened over 2,000 patients as it responds to a new and growing demand from Irish consumers who have become proactive about protecting their health, longevity and wellness.
Vida Care opened its third clinic in Pembroke Street in Dublin this week, following on from clinic openings in Blackrock and Clonsilla. The new clinic is its first in Dublin city centre and will be followed by new clinic openings in Cork, Galway, Sligo and Athlone in the coming months.
Vida Care’s service provides patients with immediate access to preventative health screening, enabling them to book routine tests for bloods, cholesterol, cortisol, diabetes, thyroid, hormones, colon cancer and STIs on demand and to receive their test results from 48 hours.
Its base line test costs €129 and covers 46-biomarkers, providing patients with essential insights into their kidney, heart and liver health. Its most comprehensive screening test costs €499 and covers 150 data points including nutritional, hormonal, digestive, pancreatic, muscle and joint health, allergy evaluation, and screening for infection and inflammation.
Vida Care is also eyeing up expansion into Portugal and Marbella which have become the epicentre of the preventative healthcare, longevity and wellness business in Europe. This element of its overall expansion strategy will provide new and existing clients who live aboard for part of the year with a familiar, local service.
‘The preventative healthcare and longevity business is exploding in Ireland and is being driven by consumers who want to take back control of their health. Vida Care is leading the way in meeting that demand and we are pursuing an ambitious strategy to expand and scale up our company at home and abroad,’ said Conor Kelly, CEO of Vida Care.
‘Our growth to date has been financed by shareholders, private investors and investment through the EIIS scheme. This investment has also allowed us to develop innovative software that is powered by AI technology to revolutionise how our health data and test results are analysed and to provide detailed recommendations that significantly improve patient outcomes,’ he said.
‘Irish consumers want to know their health numbers. They are already getting a lot of biometric data from wearable devices and related apps which are often their first step towards taking charge of their health. Vida Care is the next step on that personal wellness journey and the demand for our service is also being driven by customers who simply can’t access their local GP service,’ Mr Kelly.
‘Our health screening and testing service makes life easier for patients. They don’t need a GP referral, they won’t be left waiting for days for results, and they won’t have to chase their GP to know where they stand. They can book a same day appointment online and have their results from 48 hours. Our patients value the convenience and peace of mind that comes with that,’ he concluded.
Vida Care is also providing cardiac screening services for sports clubs and corporate clients. It’s rapid analysis and results model has already played a critical role in saving lives, in helping to ensure that at risk individuals are identified and supported, and in reducing the incidences of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) among people under 35.
Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking and security, has announced a joint initiative with the University of Galway and CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices in Ireland, to create a research framework for the world’s first ‘Virtual Hospital’, serving patients with diverse conditions at every stage of their healthcare needs.
As part of the Cisco Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) programme, the initiative, which is already in pilot, is aligned to the ambitions of Ireland’s 10-year health and social care reform Sláintecare, to avoid unnecessary hospital admission and support patients at home.
Greater patient power
The objectives of this initiative, powered by Cisco technology, are to help increase access to services, convenience, and improve outcomes for patients. It will also seek to provide patients the ability to play an active role in their own recovery. The virtual platforms are designed to mean patients will not only be able to monitor their progress, but also provide patients direct access to educational materials, and the ability to participate in the decision-making process with their healthcare providers.
Unlike other initiatives around the world which deliver individual speciality virtual wards, this initiative brings together multiple clinical areas and stages of treatment to provide seamless care. These include community virtual care pathways for enhanced monitoring of chronic conditions such as COPD to enable admission avoidance. In addition, it is enabling virtual outpatient clinics for remote appointments with integrated multiparameter diagnostics.
Delivering virtual care
Cisco technologies, including networking, cybersecurity, Webex devices and application visibility solutions, are delivering mission critical digital infrastructure to power operations, connecting patients with their healthcare providers, wherever they may be, and ensuring reliable mobile data connectivity for seamless virtual care.
Underpinned by Cisco networking infrastructure, myPatientSpace and patientMpower mobile health apps provide the virtual hospital’s digital platform that helps patients track key health metrics and monitor symptoms from home. Clinician’s will connect to real-time dashboards that display information on a patient’s condition, alerting medical professionals to changes so they can detect deterioration early and deliver timely care.
Initial feedback from patients during the setup of the initiative has been highly positive with comments including: “you’re not having to travel to go to a consultant, and they can do it from their office as well… you have the GP on it, and another doctor too. For me, that’s a complete positive”; “all my information from the monitoring was there in front of me on the screen. I found it all very useful, and in some way better than in person.”
The University of Galway HIVE Lab has developed a range of digital care solutions for local patients in this groundbreaking study, enabled by Cisco technology such as Webex integrated Virtual Consultations. The initiative is using innovative AI technology such as dynamic appointments where patients with chronic diseases are automatically triaged to an appropriate outpatient clinic slot based on their clinical need (e.g. Blood Pressure, HbA1c values). In addition, the HIVE lab has developed smartphone-based software that uses AI enabled cameras to help monitor patients’ rehabilitation exercises to ensure that they are doing them in the way their physiotherapists prescribed to aid rapid recovery from operations.
Reduced workload and financial pressure
The virtual hospital research initiative is leading the way in tackling rising pressure on Ireland’s health system, particularly its funding and staffing needs. It will aim to prove a framework that could contribute to the lightening the workload of healthcare professionals thereby increasing staff retention, while minimising operational costs and optimising the use of healthcare resources.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK, early value assessment study on virtual ward platform technologies demonstrated their cost-effectiveness, with an estimated £872 (€1,020) saving per person compared with inpatient care and by £115 (€135) per person compared with care at home without a virtual ward.
To date, in the initial setup stage of the project in Ireland, approximately 350 ‘bed days’ have been saved by patients who have been supported at home via a COPD virtual care pathway as part of this project work.
Quotes:
Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Project Principal Investigator, Professor of Medical Device Technology at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: “This research project offers an innovative virtual solution to a real global healthcare problem. It will explore new ways of providing care to our patients using next generation technology and new clinical pathways to improve health and economic outcomes”.
Brian Jordan, Country Digital Acceleration Lead, Cisco Ireland, said: “Digital technology is critical to the future of healthcare and is capable of extending care well beyond hospital walls, right into patients’ homes and in the heart of their local community. Cisco is proud to be supporting this ground-breaking 360° care delivery model that aims to streamline processes, alleviate staff workload, and reduce financial pressures on public healthcare services.”
Commenting on the significance of the initiative, CÚRAM Director, Professor Abhay Pandit, said: “This project is one of the largest industry collaborations our centre has supported to date. It is an excellent example of the impact that collaborations between CÚRAM and industry can have on local communities and society at wide.”
Reaching more patients
The initiative expects to support hundreds of patients across the Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation virtual care pathways in the Galway region. With the development and rollout of virtual outpatient clinics this is expected to extend to thousands of patients next year.
Remote digital solutions
This latest project builds on other pilot digital healthcare studies supported by Cisco in remote parts of Ireland. Enabled by its CDA programme, this includes the Home Health project in Clare Island, home to an aging population of 160 residents and challenged by extreme weather conditions. Care solutions in the Home Health project include smart wearables to track vital signs; drones to fly in prescriptions; virtual reality headsets to deliver training for nurses; and a robotic dog to triage emergency health issues.
