Digital Health bits | June 10th 2020
BARDA, Evidation team on early detection of COVID-19 using wearables
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority has begun working with Evidation Health to use data from wearable devices to cut the time it takes to identify cases of COVID-19.
In a statement released Thursday, Evidation said it will analyze sleep and activity data, plus self-reported symptoms, from 300 people at risk of exposure of developing the disease with a view to creating an early warning algorithm.
The collaboration is part of a broader push to use data from wearables to track respiratory infections. BARDA is already working with Evidation to apply the approach to influenza, while Fitbit is collaborating with Scripps Research Institute and Stanford Medicine on a similar infectious diseases effort.
#DigitalHealth #COVID-19
Read more: https://www.medtechdive.com/news/barda-evidation-wearables-coronavirus-early-detection/579272/
Sharecare snaps up behavioral health platform MindSciences
On June 4th Sharecare, a digital health engagement platform, scooped up tech-enabled behavioral health platform MindSciences for an undisclosed sum.
As part of this acquisition, MindSciences programs will be available to Sharecare’s enterprise partners and consumers. Currently its offerings are split into three programs: Craving to Quit, a smoking cessation-based program; Eat Right Now, a program focused on binge eating and weight loss; and Unwinding Anxiety, developed to help stress and anxiety.
All three of the programs were developed to help clients understand how their brain works and the ways that habits are created, in order to curb unwanted behaviors.
The two have a history of teaming up. In February, Sharecare integrated MindSciences’ smoking cessation app into its platform. As part of this news now all three offerings will be integrated.
#DigitalHealth #DigitalTherapeutics
Read more: https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/sharecare-snaps-behavioral-health-platform-mindsciences
North London trust deploys clinical messaging app Hospify
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust has deployed clinical messaging app Hospify.
The rollout of the app to more than 10,000 staff aims to improve communication during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The app will allow staff to message each other on a secure platform using their mobile devices.
Sonia Patel, chief information officer (CIO) at the trust at the time of rollout, said: “Hospify’s approved messaging app provides our people with a critical communication channel at what is an extraordinarily challenging time.
“Rolling-out this service not only helps our teams to communicate at a time when normal interactions are more challenging but is a step in a wider strategy to improve our digital offering to all health and social care staff.”
Staff using the app are able to create groups, one-on-one chats and share pictures securely, with additional features to protect privacy such as a built-in passcode and the masking of personal details such as phone numbers or email addresses.
For clinical teams and trust management, the Hospify Hub online admin portal helps with onboarding staff and provides the trust with the ability to broadcast important messages and document attachments to keep staff quickly apprised of new developments.
This can be used to communicate with the trust’s entire staff or to target individual teams and shifts, without the need for people to have access to a PC.
#DigitalHealth
Read more: https://www.digitalhealth.net/2020/06/north-london-trust-deploys-clinical-messaging-app-hospify/
Healthcare AI Startup Phelix.ai Raises $1M for Medical Virtual Assistant
Healthcare AI developer Phelix.ai has closed a $1 million seed round of funding led by Well Health Technologies. Phelix’s technology is used to run virtual assistants that can handle making appointments, filling out paperwork, and other administrative tasks on behalf of healthcare providers.
Toronto-based Phelix.ai essentially provides a virtual assistant for clinics and other healthcare providers. The AI can run a virtual call center, engaging with patients through online chatbots, phone calls, text messages, and even faxes to answer questions, arrange appointments, and bill patients as needed. According to Phelix, up to three-quarters of the time taken up by paperwork and administrative tasks can be reclaimed by doctors using its technology. Well Health accounts for a quarter of the $1 million investment, although the startup has not revealed who else contributed. As part of the deal, Well Health can now also use and sublicense Phelix.ai’s technology in other areas of its business.
#DigitalHealth #AI
Maven buys parent-child relationship app Bright Parenting
Digital women’s health platform Maven announced that it has acquired parent-child relationship app Bright Parenting for an undisclosed sum. As part of the deal, Bright Parenting’s app will be embedded into Maven’s upcoming pediatrics and parenting program.
Bright Parenting is focused on helping parents form better relationships with their child. The tool specifically focuses on bonding with children 2 to 10 years of age, and offers caregivers personalized tips and activities that employ cognitive behavioral therapy approaches.
This news comes just months after Maven scored a whopping $45 million in a Series C funding round led by Icon Ventures. At the time, the startup said the new funding would be put towards expanding its offerings.
As part of this acquisition Steve Jacobs, founder and CEO of Bright Parenting, will join Maven as the VP of product, and Lou Klepner, cofounder and chief technology officer, will come on board as a consultant and advisor.
#DigitalHealth #DigitalTherapeutics
Read more: https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/maven-buys-parent-child-relationship-app-bright-parenting
Mental health organisation launches wellbeing app and VR software
The VR offer will enable employees to enter simulated environments via a headset and monitor and manage their responses to workplace circumstances that have the potential to impact their mental health. Meanwhile, the app will promote connection among employees and will enable businesses to directly support individuals’ emotional wellbeing as well as offering counselling via a specialist chat function.
TalkOut’s new digital provision complements the company’s existing mental health training and consultancy programme but also enables it to support businesses and their employees remotely, which will help to overcome any barriers and silos caused by ongoing lockdown restrictions.
#DigitalHealth
Read more: https://www.med-technews.com/news/mental-health-organisation-launches-wellbeing-app-and-vr-sof/
Note: Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer