Talking HealthTech: 359 – Beyond the Pitch: Discussions with healthtech innovators at Connect Virtual Care

Podcast Home >

Innovation flourishes when given a chance to succeed.  But an ineffective pitch can hinder its potential. Join us in this feature episode of Talking HealthTech, recorded at Informa Connect’s Connect Virtual Care event at the National Telehealth Conference in Sydney recently.

During the event, Peter Birch moderated the highly anticipated Pitchfest, where fearless startup founders and innovators presented their solutions to investors.  After their time on stage, Pete sat down with each of them for conversations featured in this episode for you today.

Sarah Dowell – Cyber Clinic

Mental health difficulties are rising, making timely and adequate care difficult. Cyber Clinic, an innovative online mental health clinic, uses technology to give individualised counselling to those in need. Cyber Clinic learning and development specialist Sarah Dowell discusses her training experience and Cyber Clinic’s unique solutions.

Revolutionising Mental Health Care

Cyber Clinic addresses the access barrier to mental health care by utilising technology to streamline the process. Through their app, patients are matched with the right practitioner based on their specific needs, overcoming long waitlists and closed books. Cyber Clinic focuses on strengthening the therapeutic alliance by gathering patient feedback after each session to enhance outcomes. This feedback-informed approach improves the effectiveness of treatment by up to 250%.

Improving Mental Health Access

Cyber Clinic utilises virtual solutions to collect data and feedback, offering a secure video conference system that records patient progress and therapy effectiveness. This data-driven approach enhances treatment outcomes. Additionally, they have developed a conversational AI tool that supports practitioners in real-time, identifying potential issues and enabling proactive interventions. Seeking investment opportunities, Sarah Dowell represents Cyber Clinic in the pitchfest at this event to connect with potential investors and establish networks that contribute to the clinic’s mission of improving mental health care access and scaling up operations.

Dr. Adrian Cohen – Headsafe

HeadSafe is revolutionising how we diagnose and manage concussions. As a doctor specialising in sports medicine, Dr. Cohen recognised the urgent need for an objective and reliable test for concussions, given the significant confusion and subjective nature surrounding this type of injury.

Nurocheck: A Game-Changer in Concussion Assessment 

Nurocheck by HeadSafe provides an objective measure of concussions by utilising the brain’s electrical activity. The technology uses specially designed lights and patented electrodes to capture the brain’s electrical response in just two minutes. This innovative approach eliminates the guesswork associated with concussions, providing doctors with a reliable tool for informed diagnoses. Initially available as a mobile app, Nurocheck is expanding to PC platforms to meet security requirements in hospital settings. It has the potential to be used not only in professional sports events but also in community and school sports, ensuring accurate diagnoses and proper management for athletes of all levels.

Tailored Approach to Concussion Recovery

Nurocheck revolutionises how athletes recover from concussions by offering personalised recovery timelines. Instead of relying on arbitrary waiting periods, Nurocheck monitors individuals’ progress. It determines when they fully recover, minimising the risk of recurring concussions and long-term complications like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Misdiagnosing or allowing athletes to return to play too soon can have severe consequences, including persistent symptoms and life-threatening conditions. Accurate diagnosis and prioritising athletes’ safety are crucial in concussion management.

Serge Lauriou- My Medic Watch

My Medic Watch, a smart application, compatible with most commercial smartwatches, aims to provide peace of mind and timely assistance to individuals with medical conditions. Whether it’s seizures, falls, or even cardiac issues, the My Medic Watch algorithm can automatically detect these medical episodes and promptly notify caregivers.

Empowering Safety through Smartwatch Monitoring

The MMW algorithm swiftly detects medical incidents such as seizures or falls. It sends notifications and GPS coordinates to designated caregivers, including family members, neighbours, or healthcare professionals, enabling immediate assistance. Particularly beneficial for older people, Medic Watch is a lifeline in emergencies, alleviating fear and anxiety by offering round-the-clock monitoring. Operating on a subscription basis, the app has gained popularity due to its accessibility and affordability. Serge is excited to showcase My Medic Watch’s capabilities at the upcoming pitch fest, emphasising the potential of commercial smartwatches as cost-efficient patient monitoring systems. By demonstrating its ability to provide comprehensive monitoring for individuals with various medical conditions, My Medic Watch aims to deliver personalised and timely care, empowering those in need and ensuring their safety.

Adam Hutchinson- oVRcome

Mental health concerns are rising in today’s fast-paced environment, affecting many of the population. Cost, location, stigma, and long wait times prevent many people with anxiety disorders or phobias from getting treatment. oVRcome, a Christchurch, New Zealand firm founded by Adam Hutchinson, uses smartphone technology and virtual reality (VR) to make mental health therapy more accessible.

Smartphone Technology: The Key to Accessibility

The company’s approach recognizes that not everyone can afford high-end virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Quest. To address this, the company focuses on smartphones, the most widely available technology. oVRrcome ensures that individuals can access mental health treatment anytime and anywhere without expensive equipment. Although sacrificing some advanced features, the smartphone-based solution immerses users in virtual reality, enabling exposure therapy and overcoming avoidance. Leveraging smartphones significantly lowers the cost barrier associated with mental health treatment, making therapy more accessible to a broader population. The affordability and convenience of smartphones allow oVRrcome to reach people at scale, offering a viable solution for those who previously lacked access or couldn’t afford traditional treatment methods.

Remote Treatment a Telehealth Integration 

Overcome also recognizes the importance of telehealth in connecting therapists with individuals in remote areas. Through their dashboard, therapists can remotely conduct treatment sessions with clients, enabling access to quality mental health care, regardless of geographical location. By exploring potential integrations with established telehealth systems, Overcome aims to enhance its telehealth capabilities and expand its reach to underserved communities.

_{Source talkinghealthtech.com}