Overview
Initiative type
Service Improvement
Status
Deliver
Published
June 2026
Summary
This model uses AI technology to capture and analyse wound images providing consistent imagining and wound characteristics for treatment planning and monitoring, enabling expanded clinical capacity.
Dates: 1 Aug 2024 - ongoing
Implementation sites: Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service
Aim
To improve access to specialist wound care across the Wide Bay region by enabling accurate wound assessment, remote clinical review, and improved treatment planning and patient engagement while reducing patient travel and service burden
Outcomes
- 591 patients and 3,956 wounds imaged within the first 12 months
- Improved access to specialist wound expertise across sites
- Faster treatment planning and clinical decision-making
- Increased clinical capacity through reduced outpatient demand
- Improved patient engagement and self-management through use of the patient app
- Enhanced collaboration with carers, family, and community supports
Background
Patients with chronic and complex wounds in regional areas often face significant barriers to accessing specialist care, including travel distance, service availability, and coordination between facilities. Traditional wound monitoring methods can also vary between clinicians and locations, affecting consistency of care. Digital wound imaging with AI-supported analysis provides an opportunity to standardise assessment, support remote specialist input, and strengthen continuity of care across a distributed health service.
Methods
Clinicians capture wound images using standard smart devices in outpatient, inpatient, and community settings.
The AI platform analyses images alongside clinical data to generate structured wound reports detailing wound characteristics, healing progress, comorbidities, consumables, and treatment trends. Images and reports are securely transmitted to specialist clinicians for remote review, enabling treatment planning without requiring patient travel.
A companion patient app allows suitable patients to submit images, communicate with clinicians, and participate more actively in their care.
Discussion
The service demonstrates how digital wound imaging and virtual specialist input can improve access to care in regional health systems. Early results indicate improvements in service connectivity, clinical workflow efficiency, and patient experience. Challenges include digital literacy, device compatibility, and connectivity limitations in some settings, highlighting the importance of ongoing support, training, and staged expansion. Continued evaluation will inform broader rollout and integration into additional care pathways
References
N/A
Key contact
Megan Cooper
Telehealth Coordinator
Hervey Bay Hospital