With over 25 years of experience in the medical field and now as Head of Digital Health team at Samsung Electronics, I spend a lot of time contemplating how technology can truly drive progress in healthcare, rather than being just another innovation for innovation’s sake. That’s why I’m very excited about AI as it offers new ways to address many of society’s health problems by simplifying complexity and at scale.

In our ongoing work to reimagine healthcare, Samsung is leveraging advanced AI algorithms and extensive technical expertise to develop solutions like Energy Score. This feature quantifies physical and mental energy levels through multiple health indicators including sleep, heart health and physical activity. Our vision is to include more comprehensive metrics like nutrition, mental health, and additional mobile usage patterns to provide a holistic view of users’ health status, powered by AI.

AI holds great promise for early disease prevention through analyzing patterns and behaviors, detecting abnormalities, and even predicting potential health issues. By combining our long-standing sensor innovations with AI leadership, we aim to elevate our capabilities in preventing diseases, beyond sleep apnea and expanding to cardio-metabolic conditions. In particular, blood glucose is a big area of focus for us, and Samsung has been working to develop a sensor algorithm that predicts early signs of diabetes – along with non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology and continuous glucose monitoring-integrated nutrition coaching.

Our goal is to support proactive health management, lowering healthcare burdens on individuals, families and communities at large. I strongly believe that AI will revolutionize the digital health industry and simplify the wellness journey for everyone. As a global tech leader, Samsung is uniquely equipped to make this a reality with our mix of technology innovations and a growing ecosystem of partners.

When asked about the deciding factor that made Schlegel Villages begin the switch to the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro, Director of IT Operations, Bill Bowern expressed that the ease and interconnectedness of the Galaxy ecosystem was a critical draw. The devices seamless connectivity presented the opportunity for Schlegel Village teams to run more efficiently in high pressure situations, such as immediately documenting information in critical situations.

Schlegel Villages is a leading provider of long-term care and retirement communities across southern Ontario, dedicated to providing exceptional essential care to its residents. Employing thousands of caregivers across the province and with expansion plans in sight, Schlegel Villages needed devices that their employees could count on.

“It will become an essential tool for every part of the employees’ day,” Bowern says when speaking about the Galaxy XCover6 Pro. “PSWs can save hours daily through real-time documentation, nurses can complete hand hygiene audits, and maintenance staff can use the camera feature to capture photos of broken items, building leaks, and efficient processing of maintenance requests, all using the portable Galaxy XCover6 Pro.”

Prior to beginning this transition, Bill explained how Schlegel Villages was looking for intelligent devices that could fit in staff’s pockets, withstand being dropped or banged and enable efficient workflows and communications.

“Samsung’s rugged devices have been an excellent fit for our team members, providing the adaptability and connectivity we need. The Galaxy XCover6 Pro ensures that our staff has reliable tools to support them in delivering the best care possible.”

To learn more about how the X Cover6 Pro supports Schlegel Villages in its daily operations, see the full Schlegel Villages case study on Samsung’s Business Insights page.

Whether they serve their patients at a busy hospital, long-term care facility or through virtual care environments, our healthcare professionals need reliable, more secure mobile solutions that are built to last. Samsung is working closely with healthcare partners to provide technology that is essential to administering virtual care. Partners such as AlayaCare created a robust Virtual Care Suite which includes a health screening tool, secure video conferencing capabilities, and an online Family Portal, while MPoynt^[1] is providing expedited onboarding, device provisioning and logistics support for essential businesses.

As part of the Healthcare Appreciation Program, from now until June 30, 2020 healthcare professionals can receive up to 15 per cent off the following Samsung devices via participating distributor and retail channel: the Galaxy Tab Active Pro, Galaxy Tab Active2, Galaxy Tab A and Galaxy A20. Please ask your distributor or retailer for more details.

“Now more than ever we need to support and empower care providers by delivering transformative technology” said Neil Grunberg, VP Strategy & Corporate Development, AlayaCare. “We’re grateful to have partners like Samsung who support AlayaCare’s vision for the future, where home and community care is connected and part of a continuum, delivered through traditional and emerging modes of care.”

Cleanliness and Durability above All Else

Unlike most mobile devices, the Galaxy Tab Active Pro, Galaxy Tab Active2 and Galaxy XCover Pro are tested against typical disinfectant solutions², so frontline workers can effectively clean and disinfect their devices anytime. Rugged solutions like the Galaxy Tab Active Pro and Galaxy Tab Active2 keep up with demands of healthcare professionals always on the go. These devices can also withstand drops and messes thanks to military-grade durability and water resistance³.

Innovative features like glove mode on the Galaxy XCover Pro mean that healthcare providers can use their devices with their gloves on so that they can keep focusing on what’s important: patient care.

Affordable and More Secure

The Galaxy Tab A and Galaxy A20 are great value-based options when considering the constraints of public healthcare budgets. Providers can use the Galaxy Tab A tablet to take notes or take advantage of a larger screen when using patient care applications. The more portable form factor of the Galaxy A20 smartphone ensures healthcare teams and their patients are connected while on-the-go.

Protecting what’s important doesn’t only refer to drops and spills – especially where sensitive medical data is concerned. All Galaxy mobile solutions are equipped with built-in, defence-grade security thanks to Samsung Knox. This offers multilayered security and provides added peace of mind when handling confidential medical information. Samsung Knox IT Solutions also enables teams to remotely enroll, configure and manage a fleet of devices.^[1]

Whether healthcare workers are providing important medical care in-person or from a distance, Samsung is actively working to support healthcare partners with essential equipment and mobile solutions for their frontline teams.

About AlayaCare
AlayaCare’s unique platform offers a complete technology solution to manage the entire client lifecycle including referrals and intake, scheduling, coordination, client health records, clinical documentation, care worker management, billing and payroll, reporting, remote patient monitoring, and a mobile caregiver app in one integrated, highly robust and secure, cloud-based system. AlayaCare is providing the platform for home and community care organizations to propel towards innovation and home care of the future. AlayaCare was founded in 2014. www.alayacare.com

[1] Samsung Knox IT Solutions is available separately with a paid subscription.

² Based on internal testing. To clean your device, gently rub surface with a damp cloth (a hypochlorous acid –based (50-80ppm) or more than 70% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol product is recommended). Use a soft, lint-free, microfiber cloth – such as a camera lens cleaning cloth – to gently wipe the exterior surface of the phone. Samsung will not be responsible for any damage to the devices caused by the use of liquid or chemical solutions, or incorrect method thereof, not specified in this document. Samsung warns against the use of abrasive materials or alcohol-based solutions not approved for electronic devices since such use will likely scratch the device’s screen or wear down the oleophobic coating layer that keeps fingerprints from smudging the display. Samsung cannot guarantee as to the efficacy of the proposed guidelines.  Cleaning and sanitization results may vary and may not kill all bacteria, germs and viruses.

³ This device passed U.S. military specification (MIL-STD-810G) testing against a subset of 21 specific environmental conditions, including temperature, dust, shock/vibration, and low pressure/high altitude. Real world usage varies from the specific environmental   conditions used in MIL-STD-810G testing. Samsung does not guarantee device performance in all extreme conditions. Please see the inbox Quick Sales Guide.

IP68 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water or dust damage not covered by warranty.

[1] Separate purchase required.

Overview

Customer Need

Every day, healthcare practitioners explore new ways to use technology to reduce readmission rates and improve patient care. One of the most common causes of unnecessary hospitalizations are chronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As a result, COPD hospitalizations are creating an enormous strain on healthcare systems. To combat this, Aetonix required a technology it could rely on to develop a connected care solution and remote health monitoring that would improve the quality of care from hospital to home.

Samsung Solution

Seeing an opportunity to leverage innovative digital technology, Samsung partnered with Aetonix on its aTouchAway Enterprise platform to help them create greater connectivity for patients, as well as for nurses, caregivers and doctors through mobile remote patient monitoring solutions. Aetonix aims to address the increasing demands for caregiving solutions for home caregivers and for those in group facility settings, regardless of geographical distance between caregiver and the cared for. Using products such as Samsung Galaxy tablets and the easy to use, connected and secure technology, patients can become more engaged and empowered in their recovery and care. in group facility settings, regardless of geographical distance between caregiver and the cared for.

Results

The integration and deployment of Samsung technology and devices has allowed Aetonix to deliver on its goals of simplifying the complexity of chronic care at home, while also heightening the patient experience and reducing the burden COPD places on an already strained healthcare system. Due to seamless, secure and cutting-edge technology from Samsung, patients can reimagine healthcare and participate in their own treatment in new ways.

The Customer Need

North America is experiencing a crisis in its healthcare system, specifically regarding its shortage of hospital beds. One of the most common causes of unnecessary hospitalizations is chronic diseases, such as COPD. In fact, when considering all chronic diseases, COPD is the number one reason for hospitalizations in Canada[1], attributing for the largest volume of readmissions and the largest number of return visits. In an effort to reduce patient wait times, unnecessary readmissions and to enhance patient care, Aetonix identified a need to incorporate innovative mobile technology, allowing patients the opportunity to take a more active role in their own care.

As a leading-edge company motivated to advance patient care, Aetonix, in collaboration with one of its patients, built aTouchAway Remote Patient Monitoring platform to connect care teams with their COPD outpatients and families at home. Aetonix strived to provide a platform that was reliable, impactful and user-friendly for patients, while providing benefit to medical professionals and bettering the larger Canadian healthcare system.

Solution

Aetonix partnered with Samsung to leverage its fast and reliable technology to create an exceptional healthcare experience for patients and medical professionals in Canada alike. Mobile devices such as Samsung Galaxy tablets, enable care providers to access electronic health records, complete documentation at bedside, share patient data with the home office in real time, and ultimately, see more patients. Additionally, Samsung Knox keeps care providers’ tablets secure, while allowing systems administrators to customize the device look and feel, remove bloatware and more.

Integrating dependable technology and leading-edge products from Samsung, as well as tapping into its wealth of healthcare technology expertise, allowed Aetonix to deliver on its mission of addressing the increasing demands for caregiving solutions for home caregivers and for those in group facility settings, revolutionizing the way that families, healthcare professionals and caregivers and those who are cared for complete the circle of care. This was achieved through its face-to-face aTouchAway, which empowers patients with chronic conditions to become more engaged in their own care, reducing patients’ anxieties and elevating the healthcare experience.

Beyond heightening the patient experience, Samsung technology paired with Aetonix also allows hospitals and healthcare providers to reduce the necessity of in-person follow-up care and hospital readmission rates. This allows healthcare professionals the opportunity to simplify and streamline patient care, while significantly reducing costs and barriers to effective healthcare practices.

The Results

Optimizing the healthcare experience

Samsung innovation and healthcare technology expertise, paired with Aetonix’s incredible aTouchAway platform, has allowed Aetonix to transform and simplify the healthcare system for those dealing with chronic COPD, reflecting a comfortable, patient-centric healthcare experience it strives to provide its patients with.

Comfortable patient experience

Those who suffer from COPD are subjected to constant pain and discomfort, which causes patients to experience anxiety, worry and an overall lack of control over their own care. By introducing aTouchAway from Aetonix on mobile devices, patients are empowered to become engaged in their own care, and have reported reduced levels of anxiety, increased feelings of control and a heightened level of preparedness, without any sacrifice to the quality of care they receive from healthcare professionals. Further, the integration of technology in hospitals, allows healthcare professionals the ability to provide their patients with tailored healthcare solutions.

Streamlined and cost-effective healthcare system

Patient engagement is critical to improving a strained healthcare system, as engaged healthcare users are more likely to comply with treatment plans and preventative care, and they are less likely to be readmitted. With hospital readmission rates accounting for the most expensive form of care, a reduction in these reoccurring visits allows the healthcare system to save billions of dollars over the course of a few years. This also enables healthcare professionals to be more productive with their time, as they are able to easily communicate with their patients, preventing complications and ensuring that patients are adhering to their treatment plans.

A strategically reimagined take on healthcare

Aetonix aims to revolutionize and complete the circle of care, making healthcare a more positive and comforting experience. By partnering with Samsung, Aetonix was able to utilize the brand’s strengths, expertise and technologies to aid in crafting a renowned solution that reimagines the healthcare system – improving the quality and efficiency of care, expanding access to care, and ultimately, transforming the patient experience into a new level of unprecedented care.

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[1] As per aTouchAway and Aetonix documentation citing the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement

The Customer Need

Every day, healthcare professionals work to provide efficient services in their area, ensuring there is as little downtime between patients as possible, and an ambulance ready to go. No matter the size of the area they cover, this is no small task for today’s healthcare teams.

Centre Intégré Universitaire en Santé et Service Sociaux (CIUSSS), which covers the administrative region of Chaudière-Appalaches in Quebec, works to consolidate and optimize acquisitions while generating savings for health care institutions in Quebec. CIUSSS offers a variety of healthcare services, including having paramedics available to reach patients quickly and provide the best care possible.

To overcome its challenges and offer a more efficient service by minimizing downtime, CIUSSS required a reliable solution to equip ambulance vehicles with a computer system managed remotely. Moreover, the technology would need to help keep confidential data secure, and be customizable to meet current and future needs of healthcare service providers.

Samsung Solution

Today, the Galaxy Tab Active 2’s innovative design makes it easier for healthcare professionals to access seamless and easy to use technology to improve the quality and efficiency of care. In the search for a durable device that offers the mobility of a tablet, but also the long-lasting battery power to deliver seamless usage over long periods of time. CIUSSS selected the Galaxy Tab Active2 from Samsung Electronics Canada to outfit its ambulance fleet.

Ruggedized and built to stand up to challenges that healthcare service providers face, the Galaxy Tab Active2 boasts a MIL-STD-810G certification for its ability to survive drops, shocks, vibrations and temperature fluctuations.^[1] The device’s IP68 rating, which classifies it as both dust and water resistant, truly proves itself as an innovative tablet that healthcare professionals can use worry-free in any condition. ^[2]

Intrigued by the robustness and display quality of the Galaxy Tab Active2, CIUSSS replaced old devices in its ambulances with the new ruggedized tablet, allowing them to stay connected with hospitals, patients and dispatch operators in a more efficient manner.

Because patient details are highly confidential, healthcare professionals must use secure software.  Samsung Knox, a mobile security solution available on Samsung devices like the Galaxy Tab Active2, helps keep patient data secure. Through the Samsung Knox Configure cloud-based service, CIUSSS remotely configured the tablets and tailored them to meet their specific business needs.  Using advanced features such as automated provisioning, restriction of unnecessary device connections, ability to lock into kiosk-mode and automated application deployment with dynamic updates, CIUSSS was able to streamline their mobile fleet to provide their healthcare professionals with a simple solution to maximize efficiencies.

The Results

CIUSSS was able to install their entire fleet of ambulances with new Samsung devices to help healthcare professionals stay connected with a network of hospitals, patients and dispatch operators. The expertise and innovative solutions provided by Samsung Canada have contributed to CIUSSS implementing Computer-Aided Dispatch, helping them offer a faster and more efficient service to help solve a variety of patient needs.

Since implementing the Galaxy Tab Active2 in its ambulances, the new device has helped reduce downtime with ambulances, and improved CIUSSS’ method of sending updates, thereby providing paramedics with a system that allows them to send and receive information on the go.

Leveraging the innovative display and mobility of the Galaxy Tab Active2, as well as the Samsung Knox security platform, CIUSSS is now able to improve operational efficiencies, including case reporting, location tracking and patient note-taking. This has ultimately helped improve its overall service to patients by providing more efficient access to care in the area.

Together with CIUSSS, Samsung is committed to providing digital solutions for health providers that work towards improving the patient outcomes.

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^[1] This device passed United States military specification (MIL-STD-810G) testing against a subset of 10 specific conditions, including drops from 4.9 feet, extreme temperatures, dust, shock/vibration and low pressure/high altitude.

^[2] Galaxy Tab Active2 and S Pen are rated IP68, meaning they are both protected against dust ingress and are water resistant. Water resistance rating is based on test conditions of submersion in up to 1.5 metres of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. To prolong the life of your device rinse it with clean water after submersion or spillage and dry with a microfiber cloth.