Australia is currently experiencing one of worst flu seasons on record – and unfortunately, this poses a serious health risk to our older mums and dads in residential care.
Last week, there were 26 influenza outbreaks in aged care homes in NSW alone, and nine people aged over 60 passed away from flu-related complications during that time (SA has also been experiencing incredibly high flu rates).
But while practicing good hygiene and getting flu shots is an effective way to help prevent flu, a new app from researchers at Sydney Local Health District is also working to stop flu outbreaks once they’ve started – helping staff to quickly recognise and respond when they occur.
FluCARE analyses residents’ health data in real time and automatically triggers alerts when the ‘criteria’ for an outbreak is reached. It then sends email notifications to key staff and alerts the on-call public health officer and designated GPs, so they can address any flu cases as soon as possible.
It even distributes an ‘action checklist’ to guide staff on how to respond when a resident is recognised as having the flu.
FluCARE is set to undergo a one-year trial at up to 20 local aged care homes – with plans to roll it out in many more across Sydney next year. Amazing work!
