Sports related concussion: an emerging era in digital sports technology

Sports-related concussion (SRC) is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) leading to complex impairment(s) in neurological function with many seemingly hidden or difficult to measure impairments that can deteriorate rapidly without any prior indication. Growing numbers of SRCs in professional and amateur contact sports have prompted closer dialog regarding player safety and welfare. Greater emphasis on awareness and education has improved SRC management, but also highlighted the difficulties of diagnosing SRC in a timely manner, particularly during matches or immediately after competition. Therefore, challenges exist in off-field assessment and return to play (RTP) protocols, with current traditional (subjective) approaches largely based on infrequent snapshot assessments. Low-cost digital technologies may provide more objective, integrated and personalized SRC assessment to better inform RTP protocols whilst also enhancing the efficiency and precision of healthcare assessment. To fully realize the potential of digital technologies in the diagnosis and management of SRC will require a significant paradigm shift in clinical practice and mindset. Here, we provide insights into SRC clinical assessment methods and the translational utility of digital approaches, with a focus on off-field digital techniques to detect key SRC metrics/biomarkers. We also provide insights and recommendations to the common benefits and challenges facing digital approaches as they aim to transition from novel technologies to an efficient, valid, reliable, and integrated clinical assessment tool for SRC. Finally, we highlight future opportunities that digital approaches have in SRC assessment and management including digital twinning and the “digital athlete”.

Rare health conditions 47: the ‘strengths model’ of care, Gorham's disease and amniotic band syndrome

The purpose of this series is to highlight a range of rare health conditions. Rare health conditions are those that affect no more and usually fewer than 1 person in every 2000 and many HCAs and nurses will encounter some of these conditions, given the high number of them. This 47th article will explore two of these conditions, Gorham's disease and amniotic band syndrome, and offer a focus on the ‘strengths-based model’ of healthcare assessment and planning.

293 Enhancing Your Recovery: A Mobile Application for Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery

Aim: With increasing demands on the healthcare system, a central (and currently essential) push for remote consultations, and an increasing number of co morbidities in the surgical population, the aim was to create an application that placed the focus on pre-hospital optimisation, education and autonomy – addressing these sector trends to enhance outcomes for patients and ease the burden on healthcare settings. Method After obtaining baseline data, I worked alongside students from the Queensland University of Technology to produce an application suitable for both iOS and android platforms. Results The application has four facets which mirror a patient’s journey from their initial outpatient appointment through to recovery. The application is easy to use, free to download and readily accessible. On opening the application, the user can select their planned operation and navigate along a personalised decision tree. Conclusions The application has been designed to educate and empower a patient to become an active participant in their care, leading to long-term changes in healthcare. Assessment is ongoing but early indications suggest that this will be a valuable tool in optimising outcomes for patients undergoing vascular surgery – leading to fewer post-operative complications and earlier restoration of functional status.

Medical data security in digital transformation of healthcare: Assessment of e-Health solutions standarisation in the European Union

The paper assesses the security of medical data processing in the standardization of e-Health solutions in the European Union. First, the main cyber risks are identified, and then the effectiveness of health data protection and its interoperability between ICT systems is analysed in terms of strategy and regulatory support provided by the EU. The study indicates that the provisions of the GDPR seem to enhance processing of technological standardisation of e-Health solutions to follow the principle of technological neutrality when defining the required security measures.

Appropriateness of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre-adapted Refugee Health Assessment Tool

People seeking asylum (PSA) are recommended to undertake a comprehensive risk-based health assessment within 1 month of arrival in Australia. The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) offers health services to PSA in Victoria, through the ASRC nurse-led clinic. A healthcare assessment is conducted by nurses using a Refugee Health Assessment (RHA) tool. A process evaluation was conducted to assess if the adapted 2016 version of the RHA tool was able to appropriately identify, describe and prioritise the needs of PSA. Twelve ASRC nurses who conducted assessments were interviewed. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed. The adapted RHA tool was considered as appropriate for identifying, describing and prioritising the needs of PSA. Three key interconnected themes emerged influencing the appropriateness of the tool: the tool; users’ experiences; and the individual characteristics of the PSA undergoing the assessment. Key tool limitations included: the structure not being user-friendly; variability in users’ sensitivity to using the tool; and the limited feedback from PSA on the adapted RHA tool. Given the high number of people seeking asylum in Australia and the complexity of their healthcare needs, this research provides preliminary guidance on ways to improve the appropriateness of the ASRC-adapted RHA tool.