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ALLEVIATING PAIN FROM INJECTIONS

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As a Clinical Nurse Specialist, NeedleCalm Pty Ltd Director, Lauren Barber, saw first-hand the pain and anxiety experienced by patients undergoing needle-related procedures.

After witnessing many patients with a fear of needles, particularly children, Lauren forged the idea for a medical device technology to help alleviate this pain and ultimately improve compliance with needle-related procedures.

“After being a patient myself a number of times and as a healthcare professional, I recognised and began to understand patterns in patients. I realised that something needed to change in the way that we do things as clinicians,” says Lauren.

Lauren saw that to make a sustainable change in the healthcare system, a lot of focus was needed to solve the root cause of problems that clinicians and patients face.

“Our drive is reinforced daily from everyone we speak to. It just makes sense to provide a practical solution to a problem,” says Lauren.

Currently in the final stages of preparing for commercialisation, the technology, NeedleCalm™, is a cost-effective, single-use device intended to be applied on the skin at the planned site for injection.

From day 1 Lauren had been searching for a program that could assist with bringing her idea to market, however none of them seemed like the right fit.

“We joined the MedTech Actuator Accelerator Program in our third year, as we realised that we were entering an increasingly complex environment. We saw that the program would provide us with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate our way through the commercialisation process,” says Lauren.

Lauren and her co-founder, Megan Guy recently completed the 6-month intensive and now have a plan for the future of NeedleCalm Pty Ltd.

“It’s been great to get all of the necessary documents and presentations in place whilst also establishing crucial networks with leading industry experts,” says Lauren.

For Lauren, the most beneficial aspects of the program have been finding support and building confidence, allowing her to build a solid foundation of skills required to run a successful business.

“It can be a really busy time for anyone starting a new business, especially when you may be still juggling another role, but making time for the Accelerator program has been worthwhile. The mentoring helped us to stay on track and bring our product closer to market as quickly as possible.”

In an exciting development, Lauren was recently elected to the Medical Technology Association of Australia’s Board of Directors and will manage the Women in MedTech Committee.

To learn more about NeedleCalm Pty Ltd and follow their journey go to www.needlecalm.com.au.

Do you have a MedTech idea to change lives? Apply now for the MedTech Actuator Accelerator Program!

Apply Now

This article first appeared on the MedTech Actuator website: http://medtechactuator.com/

MEDTRONIC NAMED ON THE 2019 AFR BOSS MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANY LIST

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Medtronic Australasia Pty Ltd (Medtronic) was honoured to be recognised as one of Australia and New Zealand’s Most Innovative Companies. The prestigious annual list, published by The Australian Financial Review and Boss Magazine, is based on a rigorous assessment process managed by Australia’s leading innovation consultancy, Inventium, in conjunction with a panel of industry expert judges.  For the first time in 2019, organisations were ranked directly against their peers across ten industry lists. All lists can be viewed here(opens new window).

Medtronic ranked #3 on the Health Industry list, from over 800 nominated organisations across Australia and New Zealand. The assessment measures a top innovation implemented in the past twelve months. Specifically, the judges look at how valuable the problem is that the innovation is solving, the quality and uniqueness of the solution, and the level of impact that the innovation has had. Inventium also assesses internal elements such as innovation culture, strategy, resources and process, which demonstrate a sustainable and repeatable approach to innovation.

Medtronic was recognised for its MiniMedTM 670G system launched in early 2019 – an insulin pump system which automatically self-adjusts to deliver people living with type 1 diabetes precise amounts of insulin when they need it. Medtronic also made the list thanks to the exceptional innovation practices adopted by the organisation like fostering a strong internal culture of innovation and engaged employees as part of their leadership expectations and employee development; as well as supporting local medtech incubators and STEM initiatives with local schools and universities.

“Since 1949, meaningful innovation has been etched into everything we do. This spirit of innovation is evidenced in our technologies, and the way we show up to work every day to improve community health outcomes,” said Tim Fortin, Vice President and Managing Director, Medtronic Australasia.

“Globally our therapies help more than two people every second, delivering on our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. At Medtronic, we believe patient-focused innovation – and strong partnerships – remain key to an even better, more impactful future; and that nurturing an innovation mindset supports our team to operate at the highest standards when challenging the status quo to go beyond medical devices and deliver better outcomes to more patients more efficiently.”

NEW HEALTH SECRETARY

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This week the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, and Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, announced the retirement of Secretary for Health, Ms Glenys Beauchamp PSM.

Replacing Ms Beauchamp will be the nation’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy. While the announcement may have come as a surprise to some within the health sector, close observers will recall media reports that the Government’s overhaul of the public service included six Department Heads to be moved on. The Government ended up announcing five Department Heads would be moved on, leaving the sixth and last undisclosed.

Ms Beauchamp leaves behind a distinguished public service career spanning more than 30 years, including nine years at Secretary level, as well as 12 years in the ACT public service. In 2010, Ms Beauchamp received the Public Service Medal for outstanding public service forcoordinating the Commonwealth’s response to the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

Secretary-designate, Professor Brendan Murphy, will be the first medical doctor to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health in its nearly 100-year history.

In his current role as the Department of Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Murphy is responsible for the Office of Health Protection and Health Workforce Division. He is currently coordinating Australia’s response to the rapidly growing threat posed by the coronavirus and the health-orientated response to the bushfire disaster. Professor Murphy has held this role since his appointment in 2016 by former Secretary of Health, Mr Martin Bowles AO PSM.

Professor Murphy also serves as Australia’s Member for the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IRAC) Governing Committee and represents Australia at the World Health Assembly.

Prior to his appointment, Professor Murphy was the Chief Executive Officer of Austin Health in Victoria.

Professor Murphy is a Professor at the University of Melbourne and holds the title of Adjunct Professor at Monash University. Professor Murphy is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Professor Murphy previously served as the Chief Medical Officer and Director of Nephrology at St Vincent’s Health and sat on the Boards of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

Professor Murphy also served as the Independent Chair of Health Services Innovation Australia and is a former President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology and former Deputy Chair of Health Workforce Australia.

Since joining the Department of Health in 2016 as the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Murphy has been active in tackling key issues facing the health sector and in particular within the pharmaceutical sector. Most notably, Professor Murphy used his position to tackle the overprescribing of opioids by sending out warning letters to 4,800 GPs found to be prescribing opioids excessively.

Professor Murphy was criticised by some GPs for his direct and blunt approach to the opioid issue and it remains to be seen if Professor Murphy will continue a similar approach as Secretary of the Department of Health.

Throughout his tenure in the Public Service, Professor Murphy has enjoyed bipartisan support in his 40-year involvement in the health sector.

SUMMER ROUND-UP

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With this in mind, here is our ‘summer round-up’ to ensure that you are on top of the notable events in global politics.

Starting here at home, Australia has been chiefly focussed on the large number of bushfires ravaging the country, with a number of lives lost and millions of hectares of land burnt out. The situation has become so dire that 3,000 army reservists have been drafted in to fight fires across the country. In addition, the Government has already started looking forward to the recovery process with its commitment to establish a $2 billion National Bushfire Recovery Agency to assist with the rebuilding of communities affected by the fires. Former Australian Federal Police Chief, Mr Andrew Colvin has been appointed as the head of the new National Bushfire Recovery Agency for an initial two-year term.

In addition, there has been a worldwide response to the bushfires, with celebrities, including those from outside of Australia, donating to the recovery efforts. So far, Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban and Pink have all donated to the recovery efforts. In addition, a variety of sports stars are donating to the recovery efforts, with Australian tennis stars, Nick Kyrgios and Ash Barty, spearheading the efforts by donating every time they serve an ace.

The most notable fundraiser so far has been Australian comedian Celeste Barber, who has over $41 million through her Instagram post on Friday 3 January 2020. She launched her fundraising effort with footage of her NSW South Coast-based mother-in-law, Joy Robin, who was caught up in the fires. If you would like to donate to the bushfire recovery efforts, News.com.au has published an excellent article outlining all the charities that are working to help the volunteer firefighters, victims of the fire and those looking to help the wildlife. You can read this article here.

Tensions are currently rising between the United States and Iran, with the United States killing Iranian General, Qasem Soleimani, in a drone strike. US President, the Right Honourable Donald Trump has defended the US’s action, stating that the General was ‘plotting imminent and sinister attacks’. The Iranian Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has indicated that there will be repercussions following the US’s attack, stating that ‘severe revenge awaits the criminals’. World leaders, including Australian Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP have called for calm between the US and Iran. At this time, it is unclear as to what this will mean for Australian soldiers currently stationed in Iraq, who are reportedly close allies of Iran, with troops likely to either be withdrawn or see our commitment in the Middle East further increase.

The tensions in Hong Kong failed to quell over the Christmas break, with protesters clashing with police during protests on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Following the clashes, China has replaced its Hong Kong envoy, with Luo Huining being appointed as the head of China’s liaison office in Hong Kong. Despite this, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, Carrie Lam, continues to have support from mainland China. This means that it is likely that the protests will be continuing well into the New Year.[/vc_column_text][vc_zigzag][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

THESE INSIGHTS WERE PROVIDED BY THE TEAM AT NEXUS PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

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$5 Million for Bushfire Related Health Research

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The medium-term health effects of the recent bushfires will be studied under two major research streams commissioned by the Government.

The Government will provide $5 million in total from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) under an open and competitive grant round.

  • $3 million for research into the physiological impacts of prolonged bushfire smoke exposure.
  • $2 million for research into the mental health impacts of bushfires on affected communities.

This research will collect information on the biological, psychological and behavioural impacts of prolonged exposure to bushfire smoke.

The data and evidence gathered will help to understand the lived experiences and coping strategies of people and communities heavily affected by bushfires.

Measures undertaken to reduce exposure to smoke and the effectiveness of the exposure reduction methods will also be studied.

Outcomes of this research will support the development of individual and community resilience strategies into bush fire preparedness planning.

It will also inform policies for preparing and responding to future bushfire events.

The mental health research funding will support long term tracking of individuals, communities, and in particular emergency service personal who have been in the fire effected areas.

This announcement follows the Government’s comprehensive $76 million mental health support package for those impacted by the current bushfire disaster.

The grant round will open Friday, 17 January 2020 and closes Friday, 31 January 2020.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

2 MILLION AUSSIES DUMP PRIVATE HEALTH COVER AS PRICES SOAR

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Medical Technology Association of Australia CEO Ian Burgess – who commissioned the research – said premium costs, value for money and out-of-pockets were by far the main reasons behind the mass exodus.

Mr Burgess said there was also bad news for the 11 million Australians still covered by private health insurance, with the cost of their policies set to increase between $50 and $300+ in 2020.

He said it was further proof the ‘Big 4’ health funds – Medibank, Bupa, HCF and NIB – were not passing on savings from recent medical device price cuts, which fell on average 14 per cent in recent years, saving insurers $390 million.

“Over the past decade the ‘Big 4’ health insurers increased their premiums at a faster rate than national house prices, while banking billions in profits,” Mr Burgess said.

“This is despite the fact private health funds have not paid one extra cent for medical devices in recent years.

“Each of these two million Australians dumping their private health cover is an extra person joining our already overcrowded public hospital system.”

Mr Burgess said the Federal Government’s ongoing work trying to improve ‘value for money’, ‘affordability’ and ‘shopping around’ risked “coming to nothing” if younger generations and families continued to drop out of private health insurance because of ongoing price increases.

“The only answer left is for prices to go below zero next premium round. That means an actual premium decrease

– not a ‘lower’ increase.

“It’s time for the government to step in and save private health from itself.”

Research undertaken by YouGov Galaxy for MTAA found an estimated 2.23 million Australians no longer held private health cover, despite previously being covered in the past five years.

Respondents nominated ‘cost of premiums’ (64%); ‘lack of value for money’ (50%); and ‘out of pockets’ (31%) as the leading reasons, compared with ‘prefer the public system’ (21%); ‘do not believe in private health insurance’ (11%); and no longer required or eligible due to ‘change in personal circumstances’ (11%) or ‘government rules’ (5%).

Mr Burgess said the findings gave a rare insight into the real “churn and burn” of private health insurance coverage and called for greater transparency in the figures released to the public.

Currently insurers and government only publicly release the ‘net’ change in coverage – the difference between the number of people signing up and dropping out – while keeping the total number of Australians cancelling health cover secret.

A recent Alpha Beta report identified $1 billion worth of efficiencies that could reduce private health prices by up to 20 per cent within 3 years if government adopted them now.

 

2020 PHI Premium

Increase (Avg)

 $1500 $3000 $5000 $7500 $10000 Past Decade

(2010-2019)
Industry Avg 2.92% $1,544 $3,088 $5,146 $7,719 $10,292 71%
Medibank 3.27% $1,549 $3,098 $5,164 $7,745 $10,327 72%
Bupa 3.26% $1,549 $3,098 $5,163 $7,745 $10,326 68%
HCF 3.39% $1,551 $3,102 $5,170 $7,754 $10,339 73%
NIB 2.90% $1,544 $3,087 $5,145 $7,718 $10,290 78%

*Source MTAA Analysis of Department of Health Data

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Galaxy Plc. Total sample size was 1042 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28 Nov 19 – 1 Dec 19. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+). It found 1 in 4 (25%) of respondents previously held private health insurance, but no longer did – half of which (47%; 1 in 8 overall) reported dropping their health cover in the past 5 years. This equates to 2.23 million Australians.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

POOR QUALITY REPAIRS OF AND MODIFICATIONS TO MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PUTTING PATIENTS AT RISK

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Playing cards are fine for playing poker, not for gambling with a patient’s safety. The picture in Figure 1 shows a “repaired” endoscope by a hospital contractor hired to repair medical equipment. The playing card was used to separate the angulation wires from the image and light guide bundles to protect them from the open solder joints. No heat shrink was used to provide environment sealing protection. This is a serious material incompatibility issue. The paper of the playing card is flammable and its use on open solder joints can lead to fire and serious patient injury.

Although medical devices are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the TGA does not have jurisdiction over hospitals. A lack of regulatory oversight has resulted in a proliferation of businesses selling repairs of medical equipment and maintenance-related services to hospitals. Most if not all of these businesses have no links to the original manufacturer. Therefore, it is anyone’s guess how hospitals ensure that medical equipment under their care remains safe and works as per the manufacturer’s original specifications, and who checks whether these contractors and consultants have the minimum level of competence and training to perform repairs and maintenance on medical equipment.

If a patient is injured by a poorly repaired medical equipment or by a medical device rendered unsafe by modifications, the hospital has no obligation to report the adverse event to the TGA. The poor level of incident reporting by hospitals is reflected in the TGA statistics (shown in Figure 2). According to the current law, only manufacturers and sponsors of medical devices have an obligation to report incidents and adverse events to the TGA. It is safe to assume then that, unless a hospital informs the manufacturer or sponsor, incidents involving medical equipment repaired and maintained by the hospital or on behalf of the hospital will go unreported.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4286″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Even if the original manufacturer is informed of adverse events involving repaired/ serviced medical equipment, the hospital has no obligation to provide TGA or anyone else with information and records related to repairs and modifications undertaken by the hospital or on behalf of the hospital.

Patient and consumer groups such as CHOICE or Consumer Health Forum (CHF) have a right and indeed an obligation to understand what is happening in relation to post-market repairs and modifications of medical devices. The Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) has issued a number of National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) standards. Unfortunately, none of the NSQHS standards cover repair and maintenance of medical equipment in hospitals. The only standardisation of repair and maintenance of medical equipment in healthcare facilities is left to Standards Australia HE-003 committee, however neither the ACQHC, nor the CHF are represented in HE-003.

Playing cards have no place in healthcare.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Private Health Premiums Must Go Below Zero Next Round

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]MTAA CEO Ian Burgess said this announcement confirmed that insurer claims that medical device prices would force them to raise premiums over 3.5 per cent – twice inflation – next year were nothing but a “sham and a scam”.

“No matter how you spin it, this is an embarrassing capitulation for Australia’s ‘Big 3’ corporate insurers,” he said. “Minister Hunt has not only stood firm and called their bluff, but also forced the ‘Big 3’ – Bupa, Medibank and NIB – to admit that they can afford to dip into their pockets and profits to lower their prices.

“The ‘Big 3’ insurers must therefore be forced to submit price cuts below zero per cent the next few premium rounds to ensure no more Australians are priced out of their health fund while the Minister undertakes further reform.

“Over the past decade we saw private health premiums increase at a faster rate than national house prices – as a country we can’t afford to allow the ‘Big 3’ corporate insurers to get away with that again.

“It’s time to save private health from itself.” Minister Hunt’s decision comes on the back of recent evidenced-based campaigning from MTAA to ensure he could deliver on his promise to bring premium increases in under 3 per cent next year, including analysis showing:

  • Private health insurers have not paid one extra cent for medical devices over the past two premium years, despite raising their prices twice-inflation and banking over $1 billion in profits between them.
  • Private health premiums had grown at a faster rate than national house prices over the past decade, leaving customers out of pocket as much as $4000 over 10 years.
  • The avg price of medical devices in Australia fell 12 per cent over the same 10-year period.
  • Three quarters of Australians wanted Minister Hunt to force health funds to keep their price increases under 3 per cent next year, and use their $1 billion in profits to fund it (YouGov poll of over 1000 Australians).
  • Two thirds of Australians did not believe a premium increase over 3 per cent next year was in the “public interest” – the key test allowing the Minister to push back on private health insurer price increase requests.
  • The MTAA’s Agreement with the Minister has already saved insurers a total of $390 million off the cost of medical devices and is on track to exceed the $1.1 billion in total expected savings.
  • A further $1 billion worth of efficiencies that could reduce private health prices by up to 20 per cent within 3 years if adopted now (AlphaBeta Report – August 2019).

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$14.7 Million for Innovative Medical Projects

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Federal Government has announced it is investing more than $14.7 million in these projects through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), comprising $8.9 million through the BioMedTech Horizons (BMTH) program and more than $5.8 million through the Biomedical Translation Bridge (BTB) program.

The BMTH program is a $45 million government initiative, made possible through the Strategic Agreement between MTAA and the Federal Government, that aims to move technologies to proof-of-concept and commercial development.

As part of the second funding round of the BMTH program $8.9 million will be invested in nine projects:

  • Cyban Pty Ltd, Victoria, is developing a novel brain pulse oximeter to monitor brain oxygen levels following traumatic brain injury.
  • Macuject Pty Ltd, Victoria, is developing artificial intelligence-based clinical decision support software for intravitreal management of age-related macular degeneration.
  • PolyActiva Pty Ltd, Victoria, is developing sustained release ocular implants for delivery of steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to the eye for the prevention and treatment of macular oedema.
  • Enlighten Imaging Pty Ltd, Victoria, is developing a novel hyperspectral retinal imaging platform for next generation artificial intelligence diagnostics.
  • Kunovus Technologies Pty Ltd, New South Wales, is developing an elastomeric motion-preserving implant to treat lumbar spine osteoarthritis as an alternative to fusion.
  • IDE Group, New South Wales, is developing a control sleeve for intravitreal injection systems.
  • IntelliDesign Pty Ltd, Queensland, is developing portable bedside low field magnetic resonance imaging.
  • WearOptimo, Queensland, is advancing cardiac microwearables for rapid, minimally-invasive personalised cardiovascular medicine.
  • Advanced Genetic Diagnostics Pty Ltd, Western Australia, is developing genetic tests to identify people at high risk of heart disease.

Industry is backing the BMTH projects by providing $10.6 million in matching contributions.

The BTB program is a $22.3 million initiative that will fund up to $1 million in matched funding to nurture the translation of new therapies, technologies and medical devices through to proof of concept.

Eight projects will share in more than $5.8 million in the first funding round of the BTB program:

  • AdAlta Limited, Victoria, has identified a therapeutic i-body protein, a class of next generation antibodies that demonstrates potent anti-fibrotic properties, and is being developed for the treatment of the lung fibrosis condition Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
  • DBS Technologies Pty Ltd, Victoria, is developing an innovative device providing adaptive deep brain stimulation for people with Parkinson’s disease.
  • MecRx Pty Ltd, Victoria, is developing novel, small molecule therapeutics for the treatment of lung cancer.
  • University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Dental School, Victoria, is progressing a novel dental implant to commercialisation.
  • The Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory, is developing rapid and objective eye and brain testing for better management of ophthalmic and neurological diseases.
  • SpeeDx Pty Ltd, New South Wales, is seeking to commercialise its ResistancePlus® MABSC/MAC test, a rapid in vitro diagnostic tool to accurately and quickly identify bacterial infections related to cystic fibrosis, while using gene markers to predict antibiotic susceptibility or resistance.
  • Vast Bioscience, Queensland, is developing 3D small molecule sodium channel inhibitors for the treatment of postsurgical pain.
  • Noisy Guts Pty Ltd, Western Australia, has developed a non-invasive acoustic belt that uses artificial intelligence to decode gut noises to accurately diagnose and monitor common gut disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Industry is providing an additional $14.6 million in support of the BTB projects.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

New research to tackle Australia’s two biggest killers

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Government’s investment will support innovative, high quality, collaborative research that focuses on prevention, early-intervention, treatment and survivorship of heart disease and stroke.

This round will focus on three priorities:

  • Preventing heart disease and stroke.
  • Improving survival rates after an acute heart or stroke event.
  • Improving survival after a cardiovascular event or stroke and preventing a recurrence.

In 2018, ischaemic heart disease killed 17,533 Australians and cerebrovascular diseases (stroke) killed 9,972 Australians.

However, cardiovascular disease is an area in which Australia can boast strong recent successes, with deaths falling by almost 70 per cent over the past three decades.

Much of this success has been achieved through improvements in the prevention, detection and management of the disease.

The Government has committed to a strong research agenda to find more effective methods for preventing, treating and managing heart conditions and, ideally, a cure.

More than $1.7 billion has been invested in clinical research into cardiovascular disease through National Health and Medical Research Council grants since 2000.

The Government is now investing $220 million from the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) for the dedicated 10-year Cardiovascular Health Mission.

The Mission aims to improve health outcomes through prevention strategies and earlier detection for patients suffering a heart attack or stroke.

It will support Australian researchers to make game-changing discoveries, develop a global biotech industry and enable the implementation of changes in health care.

Grants open on 13 December 2019 and will be managed by the National Health and Medical Research Council. For more information on how to apply, visit GrantConnect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]