Category: Community

NEW RESEARCH HUB TO TRANSFORM AUSTRALIA’S MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Above: ARC CEO, Prof. Sue Thomas (second from right) officially launches the ARC Research Hub for the Advanced Manufacturing of Medical Devices (AMMD Research Hub) with Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Mr Michael Grogan, Member for Sunnybank Mr Peter Russo MP, AMMD Research Hub Director Prof. Matthew Dargusch, Cook Medical Australia General Manager Dr. Samih Nabulsi at, Director – APAC and VP Cook Inc. Mr. Barry Thomas and UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Prof. Peter Høj at Cook Medical Australia in Brisbane today.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]While a key aim of the research hub is the transformation of Australia’s medical technology sector by developing competitive technologies for the rapid production of medical devices, it is patients who are set to benefit most from the industry-research partnership.

One of the key goals for the AMMD Research Hub is to improve health outcomes for patients in Australia, and around the globe, by improving the time it takes to design, manufacture and supply customised medical devices such as endovascular stent grafts for patients with aortic aneurysm—a condition that currently has post-rupture survival rates of only 10 to 20 per cent.

Cook Medical Australia General Manager Dr Samih Nabulsi said the AMMD Research Hub would deliver outcomes for patients by fostering growth in the medical technology sector in Australia.

“Our primary goal is to improve patient health outcomes, but we are also growing workforce capability in the medical device industry and increasing the translation of new technology,” Dr Nabulsi said.

“Research and industry partnerships like the AMMD Research Hub are vital to increasing and accelerating the translation of new technology in the medical device industry.”

From a patient and treating doctor perspective, the AMMD Research Hub’s approach to research and innovation offers the promise of improvements to patient care and clinical outcomes by reducing the complexity associated with manufacturing medical devices.

From a manufacturing perspective, the AMMD Research Hub represents a critical mass that can take advantage of the synergies and strengths of the individual participants and deliver productivity benefits that would not be independently realisable.

AMMD Research Hub Director and University of Queensland Professor Matthew Dargusch said that effective collaboration between diverse industry and university partners is the key to addressing challenges in the advanced manufacturing of medical devices.

“It is the knowledge transfer that comes from taking a collaborative, cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral approach to medical technology that will lead to making game-changing innovations in the sector,” said Professor Dargusch.

With researchers based at Cook Medical Australia, the AMMD Research Hub has already begun work in the areas of lean manufacturing to improve the production times, adaptive automation systems, metallic biomaterials and collaborative robotics.

Director Asia-Pacific and Vice President of Cook Incorporated, Barry Thomas said the AMMD Research Hub is an important example of the advanced manufacturing sector working together with researchers and universities.

“The AMMD Research Hub will make a significant contribution to advancing the medical device industry in Australia through efficiency of processes, materials and technologies, and realise further export opportunities for IP derived from manufacturing process improvements.”

“The collaboration is key for sustaining innovation and manufacturing excellence and will contribute positively to the economy, create jobs, and strengthen the advanced manufacturing sector,” Mr Thomas said.

The AMMD Research Hub brings together researchers from the University of Queensland, the University of the Sunshine Coast, the University of Sydney, RMIT, with industry partners including Cook Medical Australia Pty Ltd., Robert Bosch (Australia) Pty Ltd.; Heat Treatment (Qld) Pty Ltd. and QMI Solutions Ltd.

In 2016, the AMMD Research Hub was awarded $2.8 million in ARC funding for five years. This investment was matched by industry partners, with a total value of more than $10 million of cash and in-kind funding.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

LAUNCHING THE BRIDGETECH PROGRAM FOR THE MEDTECH MINDED

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Professor Lyn Griffiths, Executive Director of QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) and Director of The BridgeTech Program, said 100 applicants will be selected from around Australia who want to bolster their knowledge of the scientific, legal, financial, clinical, regulatory and reimbursement disciplines related to taking developed medical technology to market.

The BridgeTech Program is open to mid-career entrepreneurs, researchers, business development professionals, IP lawyers, regulatory officers and others in the med-tech ecosystem.

Led by QUT, The BridgeTech Program involves a consortium of partners including medical technology companies, universities and industry associations: Flinders University, Siemens Healthcare, Cochlear, Hydrix, Magnetica, University of Newcastle, MTAA, University of Western Australia, AusBiotech, and many others.

The BridgeTech Program is also supported by MTPConnect – the Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals Industry Growth Centre – which is providing industry-matched funding to run the program.

Professor Griffiths said today’s launch, at Tonsley Innovation District in Adelaide, was held in conjunction with the 10-year anniversary of the Medical Device Partnering Program led by BridgeTech consortium partner Flinders University.

“This is an important partnership, linking research and technology development with entrepreneurship,” she said.

“Through its consortium of partners, The BridgeTech Program is unique in its ability to incorporate industry expertise, create key collaboration opportunities and draw on the breadth of knowledge needed to design an effective course.”

The BridgeTech Program launch was followed by a panel discussion on the MedTech entrepreneurship landscape in Australia with MTPConnect CEO Sue MacLeman, Ferronova CEO Stewart Bartlett and Managing Director of Micro-X Peter Rowland.

Professor Griffiths said The BridgeTech Program is structured to accommodate the busy researcher/entrepreneur as a self-paced online learning program incorporating a three-day workshop to consolidate learning and create key sector networks.

“Developing this important educational initiative in partnership with industry means that participants will be provided with relevant and specific commercialisation training, advice and networks to better assist the commercialisation of medical technology and medical devices in Australia,” she said.

Managing Director and CEO of MTPConnect Sue MacLeman said medical technology is the fastest growth area in the Australian med-tech, biotech and pharma sector.

“The BridgeTech Program will provide practical and important support to develop a more vibrant and impactful MTP sector ecosystem, contributing to the growth of our sector on the world stage,” Ms MacLeman said.

“As part of our mission, we are funding big, bold ideas that will deliver results on a national scale, have sector-wide impact, and are aligned with the Sector Growth Priorities identified in our 10- year Sector Competitiveness Plan. We are very proud to be supporting this truly collaborative initiative that brings together expertise from industry and research, building on the success of pharmaceutical-focused Bridge Program.”

Ian Burgess, CEO of the MTAA said as the peak industry body for medical devices we’re pleased to be supporting an initiative that will help develop those in their mid-career stage get to the next level.

“Global advances in medical technology over the past 20 years have resulted in a 56% reduction in hospital stays, 25% decline in disability rates, 16% decline in annual mortality and increased life expectancy of approximately 3.2 years.

“Technology allows patients to hear, to walk, to see, to live or to have a quality of life that they otherwise would not have.

“MTAA looks forwards to welcoming the first 100 applicants to Sydney for the three day residential prior to our Annual Conference on the 7-8 November.”

The BridgeTech Program is the sister program of The Bridge Program, which is now in its second successful year and focuses on the skills needed for research translation and the commercialisation of medicine in the pharmaceutical industry.

For information on The BridgeTech Program, contact bridgetech.program@qut.edu.au.

To submit an application please complete an EOI here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

SHIFTING FROM VOLUME TO VALUE MAKES SENSE

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The concept is certainly gaining increasing prominence around the world. Based on the research of Harvard’s Michael Porter, VBHC provides a framework for restructuring health care systems with the overarching goal of value for patients.

The World Economic Forum has calculated that, despite advancements in medical knowledge and innovation, society is not getting the full value of the annual AUD$8 trillion spent worldwide on healthcare.

Australia’s healthcare expenditure is $170 billion, representing 10.3% of GDP, meaning one in every $10 in the economy is being spent in the health sector.

MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess said that although Australia has a very good health system, with increasing pressure on our healthcare dollar, our current service delivery system provides fragmented care, siloed funding and differences in outcomes and clinical practices.

“If Australia seeks to become the “healthiest nation on earth” it’ll need to transform its healthcare system to be fit for the 21st century,” said Mr Burgess.

Some of the speakers noted the challenges in the current environment of elevating a value and outcomes debate when the Government has decided to remove rewarding superior clinical performance as part of the Prostheses List Agreement with the MTAA.

Healthcare should be driven by a relentless focus on delivering outcomes that truly matter to patients and to the community, in a financially sustainable manner.

The day started with Tessa Kowaliw, Women‘s Healthcare Australasia and patient advocate. It set the scene for much of the day by ensuring patients were front of mind by making sure we address outcomes that are meaningful to patients.

Mr Burgess said: “All stakeholders need to ask themselves “what will this change mean?” or “when will it happen?” but also “how do we get there?”

“The medical technology industry makes a highly significant contribution to the quality of healthcare in Australia in helping people live longer, healthier and more productive lives.

“To prepare for this changing environment, it will be important for medical technology companies to understand, demonstrate, and clearly articulate how their offerings can not only improve patient outcomes but also create value for healthcare stakeholders.”

All presenters agreed the full implementation will take time due to complexity and will require significant change and reforms.

PulseLine is pleased to say for those that missed the event in the coming weeks we will be releasing video interviews with the presenters.

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SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS HOSPITAL INVESTS IN LATEST MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO IMPROVE ENDOSCOPY SERVICES FOR PATIENTS

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Southern Highlands Private Hospital, located in Bowral NSW, provides an extensive range of onsite medical, surgical, rehabilitation, oncology and palliative care services for the community of the Southern Highlands, and beyond to the regional and rural areas.

Patient health, safety and comfort are the hospital’s main concerns and Southern Highlands Private Hospital continually monitors and evaluates its performance to ensure compliance with world-class hospital standards.

In keeping with the hospital’s enviable reputation for high quality care, Southern Highlands recently upgraded to the latest endoscopy platform from Olympus, ensuring that all patients requiring an endoscopy procedure such as a colonoscopy and gastroscopy, in the local community and beyond, have access to the latest technology.

“Ensuring patients health and wellbeing, safety and comfort is our top priority and we are very excited about continuing to provide endoscopy services, by investing in the latest technology from Olympus, the world leading manufacturer of this type of equipment. The Private Hospital aims to continue to provide accessible services to our local community and beyond, and to achieve this, we offer an innovative ‘Open/Rapid Access Service’ so endoscopies can be performed in a timely manner by both the Gastroenterologists and Specialist Surgeons,” said Jenny Harper, CEO, Southern Highlands Hospital.

The new fleet of endoscopes have the latest imaging technology that allow for superior magnification and accurate detection of polyps and pre-malignant lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. They are particularly useful to differentiate different polyp types and tell benign polyps apart from malignant ones. This technology results in greater confidence to provide appropriate therapy for such lesions.

According to Dr Farzan Bahin, a Gastroenterologist who provides Endoscopy Services at the Private Hospital, “The newer scopes have improved handling capabilities which allow for a smoother navigation of the instrument and thus a decreased requirement for deep sedation during the procedure. This enhances the overall experience for patients having their procedures at Southern Highlands Private Hospital. The overall outcome for patients and the community are very likely to be improved through the introduction of the latest generation of endoscopes.”

Southern Highlands Hospital strives to improve patient outcomes and volume capability for the residents of Bowral and neighbouring communities – delivering high quality care close to home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

VALUE-BASED HEALTHCARE IN AUSTRALIA

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Global healthcare thought-leaders are increasingly focused on the shift from ‘volume’ to ‘value’, thanks to the work of Harvard’s Michael Porter. Many have assumed Australia is well positioned to take a leading role in the ‘value-based healthcare’ (VBHC) movement – but is this really the case?

It’s important to first look at some of the key foundation stones of VBHC:

  • Awareness and Intent: VBHC requires a shared commitment among stakeholders – experts, payers, clinicians, administrators, and consumers – to move away from healthcare payments focused on volume of services delivered or products utilised, and towards a system where payments are focused on the value of outcomes delivered;
  • Data and Metrics: Connected and shared data systems are used to track and assess the outcomes achieved, and costs incurred for services delivered. While varying in size and complexity, the ability to track outcomes, agreed by stakeholders, through diagnosis and the care pathway is critical;
  • Integrated Care Pathways: VBHC requires optimal treatment pathways be adopted and followed by care-providers to improve the efficiencies and outcomes of healthcare;
  • Bundled Care: Bundling brings together related activities and processes over time, providing more holistic care for an illness event or condition. Bundles define the care requirements and timeframes expected to achieve the desired patient outcome. They can also improve the tracking of healthcare costs; and
  • Aligned Provider Units or Networks: Ensuring healthcare delivery settings are aligned is the best way to achieve the most efficient and effective care.

So, using the key foundation stones as a yardstick, how does Australia stack up?

On ‘awareness and intent’ there is a growing mindfulness in Australia of the general concepts of ‘value-based healthcare’. This is evidenced by State and Territory health departments stating their desire to move in this direction.

For example, the 2018 Heads of Agreements between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories on public hospital funding and health reform references payments based on outcomes and quality of life. However, a deep understanding of the principles of VBHC remain patchy, which too often leads discussions away from achieving value through outcomes to achieving value by driving down the price of products and services. Until we move to paying for real outcomes, valued by consumers, we will continue to miss the mark.

When it comes to ‘data and metrics’ it is a mixed story, again. The only comprehensive datasets across the care continuum that currently exist are in the Veterans Affairs area. Segments of the Commonwealth and States, as well as private stakeholders, hold significant datasets of varying applicability. Despite recent positive moves by the respective Commonwealth and State health departments to free up data access and transfers, they remain largely fragmented and poorly shared amongst stakeholders.

The real golden opportunity for Australia is to leverage the MyHealth record which will move to an opt-out model soon. If properly utilised, this could become a very powerful tool for gauging outcome measures at a population level. Whether existing systems could be used very much depends, at this point, on the scale and breadth of the ambition.

With regard to the remaining foundation stones: the available clinical guidelines currently fall short of a comprehensive set of care pathways measured for compliance and outcomes. There are some pockets, public and private, of provider units and networks that aim to provide better managed care, but their results are rarely tracked and published.

The Federal Government’s Healthcare Homes initiative, which is rolling out some bundled payments in primary care for some chronic conditions in select communities, is an important first step to better coordinate care. However, by being restricted to primary care, being fully administrated within General Practice and not yet paid on a true outcomes basis, limits the initiative in its full VBHC effectiveness.

Ensuring procurement systems are aligned is critical for identifying non-traditional solutions to health problems. This might include flexible methodologies aimed at procuring value rather than a set of predetermined attributes at the lowest price.

Having spent time considering the question of Australia as a leader in VBHC, there are some promising signs. Health systems within Australia are increasingly aware of VBHC principles, and are developing VBHC ambitions, however, it remains the case that we still have a long way to go. To fully realise these ambitions, we will need considerable progress in data linkages. We will also need to develop methods of pooling funds across the many fragmented Commonwealth and State primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare, rehabilitation and aged care, and public and private healthcare systems to commission care based on outcomes.

So, until there is a deliberate set of policy reforms aimed at facilitating VBHC in Australia, it is likely to remain limited to small scale pilot programs and/or in simpler disease states.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_zigzag][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1848″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANDREW WILTSHIRE   is Senior Director, Government Affairs, Asia Pacific. He is responsible for managing Government Relations, coordinating and driving Government Affairs strategies and best practices within APAC – supporting the execution of regional and business strategic objectives.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Foot and Ankle Masterclass Launches in Manly

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Masterclass is an interactive, hands-on experience for selected members of the sales team, with all three courses progressing to higher difficulty over an eighteen month period.

Course 1 focused on anatomy, pathology, treatment options and sawbone workshops. Distal Extremities Product Managers James Foster and Clark Vickery were on hand to teach this masterclass.

It proved to be extremely beneficial for our Orthopaedic Sales Representatives, who got the chance to build their skill sets and work with many of the Arthrex products.

These masterclass events have become incredibly important in ensuring that Device Technologies continues to uphold a high standard within the Australian and New Zealand healthcare landscape.

“It’s important to do workshops like this, because we want our sales force to be trained up to the highest quality possible,” says Clark.

“[Having these events ensure] that we can service our customers and our surgeons to their expectations, and to be the ultimate resource in the industry for surgeons, so that they think of Device Technologies and Arthrex as the people to go to, and trust.”

The Masterclass was spread over two days, but for the Orthopaedic Sales Representatives, the educational aspect will continue far beyond the end of the courses.

“Following these workshops, what will happen is each member will be responsible for running a masterclass follow up session on a monthly basis,” elaborates James.

“They will also be responsible for adding that additional educational component to the rest of the sales force who aren’t in the Masterclass. They’ll also be helping structure sales, sales strategy and also helping the rest of the team on that complete pathology-based packet sell, rather than just a product sell.”

Events like this have highlighted Arthrex’s expanding portfolio, and also its growing reputation as a go to name for Orthopaedic products within the Australian-New Zealand market.

“Arthrex are known for soft-tissue, but they’ve added to their portfolio lots of plates and screws to encompass the entire pathology,” explains Clark.

“So, surgeons can be confident that they have everything they need to treat the entire pathology at hand. So that includes plates, screws, and soft tissue products.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

CONNECTING THE BEST MEDTECH IDEAS TO GLOBAL MARKETS

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Australia’s largest medical device accelerator program, MedTech’s Got Talent, will receive a $500,000 grant through the Incubator Support initiative to build start-ups in the fields of medical devices, laboratory equipment, diagnostics, bionics and eHealth.

MedTech’s Got Talent provides entrepreneurs with mentoring, resources, knowledge and access to business networks to help them develop their ideas, generate investment and get their products to market.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Michaelia Cash said the Incubator Support initiative was encouraging incubators and accelerators like MedTech’s Got Talent to improve the prospects of Australian start-ups.

“The Turnbull Government is committed to assisting STEM professionals with access to commercial opportunities and global markets in order to create jobs here at home,” Minister Cash said.

“The MedTech’s Got Talent program equips our scientists and researchers with the capability needed to transform ideas into viable businesses and access international markets faster than they otherwise would,” Minister Cash said.

Minister for Small and Family Business, the Workplace and Deregulation, Craig Laundy said the program provided many benefits for start-ups across the country.

“Programs like this level the playing field to allow start-ups to access the same resources as their multinational counterparts,” Minister Laundy said.

“The access to real talent, mentors, money, expertise and networks will put these start-ups in the best position for commercial success.”

The Federal Government is investing in science and innovation to ensure we grow new businesses and create jobs. The Incubator Support initiative is part of the continued implementation of the Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda.

Further details of the grant recipients: www.business.gov.au/incubator-recipients

Further information on Incubator Support grants: www.business.gov.au/assistance/incubator-support[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

$5M HOSPITAL RE-DEVELOPMENT COMPLETE

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The ‘blue rooms’ as they are affectionately known (due to their blue glass walls and blue lighting) will help to reduce waiting times for patients as the rooms will facilitate procedures, which as recently as five years ago, may have required an operation.

RBWH’s Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Dr Mark Appleyard said the blue rooms were equipped with the latest technology.

“These rooms have the latest endoscopy medical equipment and operating room integration technologies including video streaming and external broadcasting. From a design perspective, the blue lighting and glass wall panels improve the contrast of the video monitors, so the tissues that we’re looking at become more crisp and easier to see.”

“Not only will these rooms allow us to see more patients, they also play a key role in the training and education of our staff by increasing collaboration amongst specialists and trainees and will also allow us to host live, online workshops,” said Dr Appleyard.

After the first ‘blue room’ went live in July 2017, the completion of the second room in late September 2017 has resulted in RBWH being able to perform an additional 2,500 endoscopy procedures per year, greatly improving patient services.

“The technology we have now will allow us to conduct procedures that traditionally four to five years ago patients may have needed operations for, so not only can we treat more patients, but we can look to avoid, where possible, the longer patient recovery times associated with surgery,” said Dr Appleyard.

The redevelopment at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital forms a pivotal part of the Queensland government’s $160m Endoscopy Action Plan aimed at delivering 50,000 additional procedures over the next four years to ensure Queensland public hospitals keep pace with the growing demand for the procedure.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]