An Artificial Intelligence (AI) system which can predict falls in older people has won a major health technology award.
The system, developed and implemented by IRT, has won Australian Technology Project of the Year and Best Health Project in the iTnews Benchmark Awards 2024.
IRT CEO, Patrick Reid said he was proud of the team’s (pictured, below) work in developing the system.
“Winning this award is an amazing achievement for everyone involved. We were up against some very steep competition, and I am thrilled for all of our IT, Home Care and Aged Care Centre staff who worked together on this project to achieve success,” Mr Reid said.
“The team has created a way to identify if a home care customer or care centre resident is at higher risk of falling by taking personal data we collect already and feeding it through an artificial intelligence and machine learning model.”
The falls predictor system uses data collected through various assessment tools, care plans, allied health reports and other channels. It looks at what medications are being taken, sleeping habits, weight changes and many other data points.
“This information then drives conversations between our customers, residents, and staff. With this information, we’ve been able to move to a very proactive approach to fall prevention. Our staff are working with our customers and residents to put in place strategies specific to the individual to help prevent their future fall risk,” Mr Reid said.
Preventative strategies can include physiotherapy, changes in diet or medication or changes to the environment, depending on an individual’s needs.
Mr Reid says the recognition from the tech industry is a testament to the skill and dedication of the project team.
