Pandemic helps London software developer make inroads in U.S. health-care market

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A London software developer has landed a deal with a Texas-based health-care provider to enable patient care, from a distance.

Sensory Technologies on Collip Circle is partnering with Resilient Healthcare that will use Sensory’s eShift software for in-home patient care.

For Sensory Technologies, it is a major inroad into the U.S. market, chief executive Patrick Blanshard said.

“This is a big deal. It is really a significant growth opportunity and it sets us apart as a clear symbiotic partner in the health-care system. We add value,” he said.

“There is a problem and an opportunity. There are severe staffing shortages due to COVID and with that, there is an opportunity.

“We are full throttle in that space right now, in the U.S.,” Blanshard said.

The software allows a health-care practitioner, such as a nurse or doctor, to support several patients in their homes by connecting with a care­giver, such as a personal support worker, using a mobile device. Information on patient care can be exchanged, allowing the patient to remain in their home longer.

Health care agencies in England, France, other U.S. cities and in Ontario also use eShift.

“COVID has been a struggle and it is driving a lot of change that works well for Sensory Technologies. We no longer have to explain the value of what we do. It is now: ‘How can we do i?.’ It is growing market share, it is exciting,” Blanshard said.

In-home care reduces costs, improves access for patients who don’t have to travel to a hospital or health-care centre and makes better use of staff as fewer professionals can see more patients.

“By integrating Sensory Technologies’ eShift into our platform, we solve two issues,” Resilient chief executive Jackleen Samuel said.

“First, we resolve a staffing issue, which has had a dramatic effect on hospitals. This enhances our ability to do more with our existing staff. Second, it improves the quality of our care, since we will integrate and offer a live, doctor-led, acute and post-acute care component.”

Resilient offers in-home care and Sensory Technologies software will improve quality of care through better reporting, medical staff co-ordination and better patient follow up, Samuel said.

The software also has proven popular closer to home. In Ontario, five Home and Community Care Support Services, formerly Local Health Integration Networks, use the software.

Sensory Technologies was founded in 2009 and employs about 25 in Canada, Europe and the U.S.