Enterprise Ireland Health Innovation Hub Ireland Clinical Innovation Award 2023 Winners Announced
On 21st November 2023, Dr. Conor Judge, Dr. Claire Stenson, and Dr. Declan Sheppard were announced as winners of the Enterprise Ireland Health Innovation Hub Ireland Clinical Innovation Awards 2023. The HIHI Clinical Innovation Award is designed to support all healthcare professionals in Ireland to explore the commercial feasibility of their innovative ideas with the potential to transform the way medical care is delivered in Ireland and abroad. The Award welcomes innovative technologies at all stages of development from concept, early stage research through to more advanced projects.
Congratulations to this year’s winners
The Clinical Innovation Awards serve as a testament to Ireland’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge solutions in healthcare, driving progress, and shaping the future of medical care. As these award-winning innovations progress, they hold the potential to redefine standards and positively impact patients’ lives both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Conor Judge: AI Revolutionizing Hypertension Management
Dr. Conor Judge, is a Consultant Nephrologist, Electronic and Computer Engineer, PhD in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Senior Lecturer in Applied Clinical Data Analytics at the University of Galway. His primary focus is applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to enhance patient care, particularly in the realm of chronic conditions like hypertension. He leads the development of an AI Clinical Decision Support System (AI-CDSS) for Hypertension management at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway. This project uses data from randomised controlled trials to predict complex treatment decisions for persons with hypertension and is a testament to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with AI in healthcare.
The AI-BP system, a sophisticated platform utilizing state-of-the-art machine learning and deep learning approaches, aims to provide real-time, personalized treatment decisions based on clinical trial data. Dr. Judge’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI in healthcare has garnered him recognition, including prestigious awards and research funding. His innovation holds promise for comprehensive, personalized hypertension management for diverse patient populations.
Dr. Claire Stenson: Smart Pleuro – A Revolutionary Solution for Malignant Pleural Effusions
Dr. Claire Stenson is a surgical trainee in Upper Gastro Intestinal (GI) surgery at Tallaght University Hospital. Dr Stenson’s solution the Smart Pleuro device, is a groundbreaking solution for treating patients with malignant pleural effusion. Current solutions often fail, requiring repeat hospitalizations and negatively impacting patients’ quality of life. Smart Pleuro, aims to treat and prevent the recurrence of malignant pleural effusions, offering a more effective alternative, aiming to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Stenson’s innovation addresses a critical need in patient care, providing a promising solution that could reduce hospitalizations, re-interventions, and enhance the overall quality of life for those affected by malignant pleural effusions.
Dr. Declan Sheppard: Portable Ultrasound Device Enhancing Venous Access
Dr. Declan Sheppard, Consultant Radiologist and Clinical Director of Radiology at University Hospital Galway, aims to develop a novel ultrasound device designed to improve venous access. Recognizing the challenges in obtaining access to veins and the associated complications, Dr. Sheppard’s solution offers a more portable and accessible alternative to the current state-of-the-art devices.
This innovative ultrasound device aims to assist clinicians in gaining access to challenging veins, reducing delays in blood sampling, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Sheppard’s forward-thinking approach aligns with the pursuit of adopting the latest technologies to enhance clinical care and efficiency within the healthcare system.