Silverchain rolls out smart glasses
The home care provider has integrated smart glasses into its services to enhance clinical support and improve access to expert advice in real time.
Following a successful pilot, Silverchain has adopted smart glasses across a range of services, including palliative care, hospital in the home, aged care, clinical support and supervision, medication management and specialist wound care to enable hands-free, real-time specialist consultations.
Smart glasses are a wearable device with a built-in camera that delivers a live video stream via wireless connectivity.
The rollout aims to enhance efficiency, safety and quality of care by enabling remote collaboration with clinicians and care teams across the country.
Silverchain chief executive Dale Fisher said Smart glasses enhance the care experience for clients while improving access to essential health and aged care services.
“By turning technological advancement into real progress on care equity, Silverchain is providing an even greater care experience for our clients, improving safety and the delivery of care in the home,” Ms Fisher said.
Silverchain director of health innovation Kate Symons said the rollout meant a nurse visiting a client at home for a routine check could now instantly consult with multiple clinicians in real time, reducing the need for additional appointments and improving patient outcomes.
“The use of this technology also minimises the risk of unscheduled escalations, helping to reduce pressure on the public health system. In cases where a client’s health is deteriorating, our teams can liaise with colleagues instantly to assess the need for further clinical intervention,” Ms Symons said.
“Smart glasses also enhance medication management and specialist wound reviews, allowing nurses in the home to consult with clinicians for immediate advice, review and supervision.”
Silverchain occupational therapist Alex Skinner is among those using the smart glasses.
He said the ability to consult with experts instantly was a game-changer for clinicians, particularly for clients in remote or regional areas.
“This technology vastly improves the efficiency and delivery of care in the home, especially for clients who aren’t near specialist providers,” Mr Skinner said.
“With hands-free access to care plans and real-time specialist input, clinicians can make informed decisions without delay, ensuring all clients – regardless of location – receive the best possible care.”
Silverchain’s adoption of smart glasses is supported by the Silverchain Foundation.
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