The McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) is set to implement AI at the Montreal General Hospital this fall to help reduce hospital-acquired infections and improve care.
The application is known as the Artificially Intelligent Monitoring System (AIMS) platform technology, and is the first at the MUHC.
This will focus on hand hygiene, supporting staff in maintaining compliance and helping reduce the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
“This perceptual ambient AI technology will enable the collection, interpretation, and processing of anonymous data to improve patient safety,” the MUHC said in a press release.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between five and 15 per cent of patients will develop a healthcare-associated infection during a care episode in developed countries. Hand hygiene compliance is recognized as the most effective measure to prevent infections caused by bacteria such as MRSA and by respiratory viruses.
About the technology
According to the MUHC, AIMS employs an advanced network of ceiling-embedded devices that monitor care spaces through infrared-based 3D sensors and alerts healthcare workers to unsafe conditions.
This is done while ensuring patient and staff privacy.
“AIMS adopts a ‘privacy by design’ approach and cannot identify individuals,” the MUHC explained. “It is not a camera and does not record video or still images.”
“All information is processed securely on-site,” they added. “Ensuring that sensitive data never leaves the MUHC’s infrastructure.”
The system detects handwashing behaviour, providing real-time feedback, the MUHC explained in their press release:
- A green light when hands are washed for at least 15 seconds, per MUHC protocol
- Or a yellow light and gentle ping when the protocol is not followed
“Protecting patients from preventable harm is at the heart of our mission,” says Dr. Lucie Opatrny, President and Executive Director of the MUHC. “By introducing this technology, we are equipping our teams with another tool to reinforce best practices and deliver the safest care possible.”
“This project also highlights how academic health centres can combine clinical expertise with technological innovation,” she added. “To drive meaningful transformation across our sector.”
Data from the AIMS is then used to refine infection prevention strategies and reinforce existing hand hygiene protocols.
The MUHC explained that this is all done without disrupting daily clinical activities.
This project is part of a multi-year collaboration with Lumenix.
“Our partnership with MUHC represents exactly the kind of collaboration that drives meaningful, inclusive healthcare innovation,” says Scott Delaney, Chairman and CEO, Lumenix. “MUHC’s unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership and innovation makes them an ideal partner as we continue to develop and expand the AIMS platform capabilities.”
“Together, we’re not just implementing technology—we’re lighting the way toward 21st century solutions for 21st-century healthcare challenges,” he added.
“Patient well-being is our top priority, yet for too long health systems have struggled to reduce patient safety events,” added Dr. Alan Forster, Director of Innovation, Performance and Quality at the MUHC. “Perceptual ambient AI will complement the skills and commitment of our staff and it will help us address challenges once considered intractable.”
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