Case Study: South Western Sydney Local Health District improves remote COVID-19 patient monitoring with Curious Thing AI

AI-based conversational agent for COVID-19 patient management

The South Western Sydney Local Health District faced immense pressure on its healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a surge in positive cases, clinicians no longer had the capacity to make daily monitoring calls to every patient isolating at home, creating a need for an alternate way to optimise check-ins without increasing risk. They partnered with Curious Thing to address this challenge.

Curious Thing implemented an AI-based conversational agent to manage low-to-medium risk COVID-19 patients. This solution made daily automated phone calls to check on patients' physical condition and wellness. Over four months, the system engaged over 6,300 patients. The results were highly effective: the Curious Thing AI identified patients requiring further support, saved significant clinician time by handling remote monitoring, and enabled staff to focus on critically ill patients, ensuring resources were directed to those in greatest need.

South Western Sydney Local Health District

Josephine Sau Fan Chow

Professor