Source: Royal Philips

Africa

Philips’ Lumify taps mHealth to deliver ultrasound services in Africa

By Staff Writer

September 14, 2018

Philips new ultrasound approach is a fusion of mobile tech and advanced ultrasound transducer technology

In a statement, Philips said its new ultrasound approach brings together mobile applications, advanced ultrasound transducer technology, integrated IT, training, education and support services to help healthcare providers improve care and reduce costs..

Lumify, Philips’ first app-based ultrasound system that will extend the reach of ultrasound applications to a broader network of healthcare providers using mobile technology has been unveiled for the first time in Africa. Unveiled in Nairobi, Kenya, Philips described Lumify as an entirely new way of delivering ultrasound technology to healthcare providers and their patients; offering high-quality imaging on a compatible smart device through a subscription model.

“Philips’ new ultrasound approach brings together mobile applications, advanced ultrasound transducer technology, integrated IT, training, education and support services to help healthcare providers improve care and reduce costs,” the company stated.

Lumify is targeted at emergency departments and urgent care centers, as well as other clinical settings, and will operate from a compatible smart device connected to a Philips ultrasound transducer. Users will also have access to an online portal where they can manage their device and access Philips’ support, training and IT services.

Dr. Ahmed of Mandera County taking the opportunity to experience the use of Lumify at the launch. Photo courtesy Twitter/PhilipsKenya

Philips said: “The first-generation Lumify transducer is now commercially available across East Africa. The L12-4 transducer supports a variety of clinical applications, including soft tissue, musculoskeletal, lung and vascular scanning. The C5-2 offers abdominal with lung and gallbladder pre-sets and Ob/Gyn capabilities. Whereas Lumify’s newest transducer, the S4-1, has presets for cardiac and FAST exams. All the applications and services are available through Philips’ new app-based portal.”

Jasper Westerink, CEO, Philips Africa described Lumify ultrasound as designed to drive transformation in care delivery and digital health – a dynamic combination that can extend the reach of ultrasound in a remarkable way.

“Lumify’s unique combination of connectivity, simplicity, portability and flexibility enables clinicians to perform ultrasound examinations across a variety of clinical settings, from cardiology suites down to under resourced semi-urban and rural areas. Finally, clinicians as well as family doctors at small outpatient clinics can perform scans themselves, speeding up the diagnosis process and possible treatments”.

With cloud-enabled and tablet technology, Lumify is able to offer users vast connectivity, flexibility and mobility.

“The versatility, portability and safety of point of care ultrasound, has made it one of the most widely used first-line diagnostic tools.” said Dr. Anders Barasa, Cardiologist, Aga Khan University Hospital. “In a resource constrained environment, technology like Lumify can strengthen referral pathways affording quick diagnosis in emergency departments in major towns, or with time even in more remote areas improving patient outcomes”.