New Zealand’s Ministry of Health yesterday launched a new mobile app named Āwhina to help health workers access the information they need about COVID-19. Health workers can quickly filter content so they can find what is relevant to them and can also save content in the app to give them quick access to it again later.

The Health Ministry developed the app with feedback from people working in the health sector, and by learning from approaches taken in other countries to get information about COVID-19 to health workers.

THE LARGER PICTURE

As of 27 May, New Zealand reported no new cases of COVID-19 for a fifth consecutive day. There is also currently no one in New Zealand receiving hospital-level care for COVID-19.

Last week, New Zealand launched its NZ COVID Tracer app, which is designed to support rather than replace existing contact tracing processes. The app will create a “digital diary” of the places that users visit through the scanning of QR codes displayed at the entrances to business premises, other organizations and public buildings.

New Zealand-based healthcare software company Orion Health will also be delivering a national algorithm hub to support scenario modelling, risk prediction, forecasting and planning throughout New Zealand’s COVID-19 response, Healthcare IT News reported.

ON THE RECORD

“There is a lot of information health workers need quick access to, like the latest case definitions, clinical care pathways or Personal Protective Equipment guidance. Āwhina gives them access to this information from their mobile device anywhere, anytime.

Information for health workers is frequently updated based on latest research, advice, and changes to alert levels. Āwhina will notify health workers when new or updated content is available to them,” said Deputy Director-General Data and Digital Shayne Hunter.

“The emergence of COVID-19 and the response required by people working in the health and disability sector highlighted the need for a tool to provide easy access to the up-to-date information relevant to their area of work,” he added.