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HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 046 MC

A 72-year-old male with Parkinson's disease requires assistive technology to maintain independence in daily activities. According to the WHO GATE framework, which combination would most effectively address his needs?

  1. Prioritise high-tech solutions like smart home devices and AI-powered monitoring systems to maximise technological support.
  2. Focus on products requiring minimal training, such as weighted cutlery and grab rails, to ensure immediate usability.
  3. A mix of low-tech adaptive utensils and high-tech solutions such as voice recognition software.
  4. Implement a standardised Parkinson's assistive technology package used successfully in other OECD countries.
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct. WHO GATE framework emphasises selecting assistive technology based on individual functional needs across different life activities.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: While high-tech solutions have value, the GATE framework emphasises matching technology to individual needs rather than maximising technology use.
  • B is incorrect: Although ease of use is important, limiting to only simple solutions may not address all functional needs.
  • D is incorrect: The GATE framework promotes personalised solutions based on individual assessment, not standardised packages.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 045 MC

The WHO GATE framework outlines 5Ps to improve access to assistive technology worldwide. Why is this framework significant for Australians with disability?

  1. It ensures all assistive technology is produced in Australia
  2. It increases access to assistive technology beyond NDIS eligibility
  3. It provides a global model to guide policies on equitable access
  4. It improves the affordability and quality of assistive products internationally
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. The GATE framework is significant in Australia because it highlights the need to increase access to assistive technology for the many people with disability who are not eligible for NDIS funding.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect. The framework does not dictate where technology must be produced.
  • C is incorrect. While the framework does provide global guidance, the question asks about its significance for Australians with disability.
  • D is incorrect. Improving affordability and quality is part of GATE’s aim, but the key issue in Australia is access beyond NDIS eligibility.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 033

Describe how new technologies in healthcare can address the sociological causes of risky health behaviours.   (4 marks)

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Social networks influence

  • Health apps can create positive peer pressure by sharing fitness achievements within social groups.
  • This transforms negative peer influence into supportive competition for healthy behaviours.

Workplace stress factors

  • AI-powered mental health apps provide immediate stress management techniques for high-pressure work environments.
  • This prevents workers from developing unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive alcohol consumption.

Environmental and media impacts

  • Smart home technology monitors air quality to maintain smoke-free environments, reducing children’s exposure to smoking behaviours.
  • Content filtering on home devices can limit children’s exposure to the marketing of harmful products like vapes.
Show Worked Solution

Social networks influence

  • Health apps can create positive peer pressure by sharing fitness achievements within social groups.
  • This transforms negative peer influence into supportive competition for healthy behaviours.

Workplace stress factors

  • AI-powered mental health apps provide immediate stress management techniques for high-pressure work environments.
  • This prevents workers from developing unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive alcohol consumption.

Environmental and media impacts

  • Smart home technology monitors air quality to maintain smoke-free environments, reducing children’s exposure to smoking behaviours.
  • Content filtering on home devices can limit children’s exposure to the marketing of harmful products like vapes.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 032

Discuss the benefits and challenges of using health apps to improve the health status of young Australians.   (6 marks)

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  • [P] A key advantage is the accessibility of mental health support for young Australians.
  • [E] Health apps provide 24/7 assistance that aligns with young people’s digital preferences and removes traditional healthcare barriers.
  • [Ev] For example, Beyond Now offers immediate crisis planning for suicidal thoughts, while FoodSwitch enables healthier eating through barcode scanning.
  • [L] This accessibility directly improves health outcomes by meeting young people where they are most comfortable – on their devices.
     
  • [P] However, this must be weighed against the credibility crisis in health apps.
  • [E] The overwhelming number of apps (estimated at 200k+ globally) makes it difficult for young users to distinguish quality health tools from harmful ones.
  • [Ev] Social media influencers promote unverified apps similar to how e-cigarette marketing targets youth, often normalising risky behaviours.
  • [L] These issues undermine the potential health benefits.
     
  • [P] Despite these challenges, properly vetted apps offer significant potential for youth health improvement.
  • [E] When young people do access quality-assured apps, these tools effectively complement traditional healthcare services, particularly for prevention and early intervention.
  • [Ev] Mental health apps provide crucial early support for conditions like anxiety and depression, which affect almost half of females aged 16-24.
  • [L] This demonstrates that health apps can meaningfully improve young Australians’ health status when quality and access barriers are overcome.
Show Worked Solution
  • [P] A key advantage is the accessibility of mental health support for young Australians.
  • [E] Health apps provide 24/7 assistance that aligns with young people’s digital preferences and removes traditional healthcare barriers.
  • [Ev] For example, Beyond Now offers immediate crisis planning for suicidal thoughts, while FoodSwitch enables healthier eating through barcode scanning.
  • [L] This accessibility directly improves health outcomes by meeting young people where they are most comfortable – on their devices.
     
  • [P] However, this must be weighed against the credibility crisis in health apps.
  • [E] The overwhelming number of apps (estimated at 200k+ globally) makes it difficult for young users to distinguish quality health tools from harmful ones.
  • [Ev] Social media influencers promote unverified apps similar to how e-cigarette marketing targets youth, often normalising risky behaviours.
  • [L] These issues undermine the potential health benefits.
     
  • [P] Despite these challenges, properly vetted apps offer significant potential for youth health improvement.
  • [E] When young people do access quality-assured apps, these tools effectively complement traditional healthcare services, particularly for prevention and early intervention.
  • [Ev] Mental health apps provide crucial early support for conditions like anxiety and depression, which affect almost half of females aged 16-24.
  • [L] This demonstrates that health apps can meaningfully improve young Australians’ health status when quality and access barriers are overcome.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 031

To what extent can assistive technology improve health outcomes for Australians experiencing health inequities.   (8 marks)

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Judgment Statement

  • Assistive technology can significantly improve health outcomes for Australians experiencing inequities, though systemic access barriers prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Transformative Impact

  • For those who can access it, assistive technology substantially transforms health outcomes. The 2 million plus Australians with disability using these technologies experience dramatically improved independence through mobility aids, communication devices, and adaptive tools.
  • This directly addresses social determinants of health by enabling workforce participation, education access, and social connection.
  • Evidence shows that wheelchair users gain employment opportunities, while speech-generating devices restore communication abilities.
  • These improvements result in better mental health, increased income, and enhanced quality of life, demonstrating assistive technology’s capacity to reduce health inequities.

Access Barriers Limiting Effectiveness

  • However, the extent remains significantly constrained by inequitable access. With just over 10% of Australians with disability receiving NDIS funding, the remaining 90% must navigate over 100 complex funding sources.
  • Rural populations face additional barriers with limited service availability.
  • This creates a paradox where those experiencing the greatest inequities often have the least access to these transformative technologies.

Reaffirmation

  • Therefore, assistive technology demonstrates high potential but moderate actual impact on reducing health inequities.
  • While it proves exceptionally effective for those who access it, systemic barriers prevent widespread benefits.
  • The extent of improvement remains significantly limited by access barriers, but could be greatly enhanced if Australia more actively implements WHO GATE framework principles for universal accessibility.
Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • Assistive technology can significantly improve health outcomes for Australians experiencing inequities, though systemic access barriers prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Transformative Impact

  • For those who can access it, assistive technology substantially transforms health outcomes. The 2 million plus Australians with disability using these technologies experience dramatically improved independence through mobility aids, communication devices, and adaptive tools.
  • This directly addresses social determinants of health by enabling workforce participation, education access, and social connection.
  • Evidence shows that wheelchair users gain employment opportunities, while speech-generating devices restore communication abilities.
  • These improvements result in better mental health, increased income, and enhanced quality of life, demonstrating assistive technology’s capacity to reduce health inequities.

Access Barriers Limiting Effectiveness

  • However, the extent remains significantly constrained by inequitable access. With just over 10% of Australians with disability receiving NDIS funding, the remaining 90% must navigate over 100 complex funding sources.
  • Rural populations face additional barriers with limited service availability.
  • This creates a paradox where those experiencing the greatest inequities often have the least access to these transformative technologies.

Reaffirmation

  • Therefore, assistive technology demonstrates high potential but moderate actual impact on reducing health inequities.
  • While it proves exceptionally effective for those who access it, systemic barriers prevent widespread benefits.
  • The extent of improvement remains significantly limited by access barriers, but could be greatly enhanced if Australia more actively implements WHO GATE framework principles for universal accessibility.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 030

Outline three ways in which artificial intelligence (AI) can improve health outcomes in Australia.   (3 marks)

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Answers could include 3 of the following:

  • AI can improve diagnostic accuracy by detecting patterns in scans and identifying disease earlier.
  • AI can personalise treatment plans by analysing genetic and test data for individual patients.
  • AI can improve access to care through telehealth and predicting where medicines are needed most.
  • AI can speed up the discovery of new medicines by analysing large datasets to identify disease causes and design new drugs.
Show Worked Solution

Answers could include 3 of the following:

  • AI can improve diagnostic accuracy by detecting patterns in scans and identifying disease earlier.
  • AI can personalise treatment plans by analysing genetic and test data for individual patients.
  • AI can improve access to care through telehealth and predicting where medicines are needed most.
  • AI can speed up the discovery of new medicines by analysing large datasets to identify disease causes and design new drugs.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 029

Analyse how artificial intelligence in healthcare can address health inequities identified in Australia's health status data.   (8 marks)

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Overview

  • AI in healthcare can reduce inequities in Australia by improving diagnosis, personalised treatment and expanding access. These factors directly contribute to closing health gaps.

Gender-based diagnosis

  • Gender differences in disease symptoms often lead to unequal outcomes.
  • AI can analyse diverse datasets that reveal how conditions appear differently in men and women.
  • For example, female heart attack symptoms often differ from men’s. AI systems identify these patterns, which leads to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
  • Mental health tools using AI can also encourage earlier intervention for men, who often avoid seeking help.
  • This results in reduced mortality for both genders.

Rural and chronic disease access

  • People in rural areas face reduced access to specialists. AI-enabled telehealth interacts with geography by connecting patients remotely to care.
  • Chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease depend on early detection and monitoring. Machine learning predicts disease progression and enables preventive care.
  • This is significant since chronic disease is the largest burden in Australia.
  • In this way, AI helps reduce inequity caused by remoteness as well as addressing disease management challenges.

Implications and Synthesis

  • AI in healthcare functions by standardising diagnosis, supporting prevention, and expanding access. These elements combine to reduce health gaps between groups.
  • The significance is that AI has strong potential to deliver fairer outcomes.
  • However, its impact depends on reliable, balanced data and its ethical use.
Show Worked Solution

Overview

  • AI in healthcare can reduce inequities in Australia by improving diagnosis, personalised treatment and expanding access. These factors directly contribute to closing health gaps.

Gender-based diagnosis

  • Gender differences in disease symptoms often lead to unequal outcomes.
  • AI can analyse diverse datasets that reveal how conditions appear differently in men and women.
  • For example, female heart attack symptoms often differ from men’s. AI systems identify these patterns, which leads to earlier and more accurate diagnoses.
  • Mental health tools using AI can also encourage earlier intervention for men, who often avoid seeking help.
  • This results in reduced mortality for both genders.

Rural and chronic disease access

  • People in rural areas face reduced access to specialists. AI-enabled telehealth interacts with geography by connecting patients remotely to care.
  • Chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease depend on early detection and monitoring. Machine learning predicts disease progression and enables preventive care.
  • This is significant since chronic disease is the largest burden in Australia.
  • In this way, AI helps reduce inequity caused by remoteness as well as addressing disease management challenges.

Implications and Synthesis

  • AI in healthcare functions by standardising diagnosis, supporting prevention, and expanding access. These elements combine to reduce health gaps between groups.
  • The significance is that AI has strong potential to deliver fairer outcomes.
  • However, its impact depends on reliable, balanced data and its ethical use.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 044 MC

Which of the following best shows how assistive technology fosters participation and inclusion?

  1. A wheelchair allowing increased mobility
  2. An ergonomic keyboard assisting in the workplace
  3. A button hook reducing reliance on carers
  4. A hearing aid enhancing social interaction
Show Answers Only

\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct. A hearing aid directly enhances communication and social interaction, which fosters participation and inclusion in community life.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect. A wheelchair supports independence and mobility, but this relates more to freedom of movement than inclusion.
  • B is incorrect. An ergonomic keyboard assists workplace function, which improves learning and working, not inclusion.
  • C is incorrect. A button hook helps with daily tasks, reducing reliance on carers, but does not directly enhance participation with others.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 043 MC

Which of the following is an example of high-tech assistive technology?

  1. Hearing aids that connect to smartphones
  2. Magnifying sheets for easier reading
  3. Non-slip grips on eating utensils
  4. Large print versions of textbooks
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct. Hearing aids that connect to smartphones are a high-tech assistive technology that enhances independence and participation.

Other options:

  • B is incorrect. Magnifying sheets are low-tech visual aids.
  • C is incorrect. Non-slip grips are simple, low-tech modifications.
  • D is incorrect. Large print books are low-tech supports for vision impairment.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 042 MC

Bias in AI algorithms means there is more data available for male-dominated diseases. What is the most likely impact of this for women?

  1. Women may be at higher risk of misdiagnosis
  2. Women may receive treatment plans that are less accurate
  3. Women will have equal access to health services
  4. Women may face delays in receiving the most appropriate care
Show Answers Only

\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct. Limited female-specific data increases the risk that AI will misinterpret or overlook women’s symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis.

Other options:

  • B is incorrect. While treatment plans may be adversely affected, the most likely (primary) risk is misdiagnosis.
  • C is incorrect. Equal access to services is not guaranteed by AI and does not address algorithmic bias.
  • D is incorrect. Delayed care may occur in some contexts, but the more direct and likely impact is misdiagnosis.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 041 MC

A local hospital sees a sudden rise in asthma cases. AI detects this trend and directs more asthma medication to that area. Which benefit of AI is shown?

  1. Predicting disease outbreaks to improve resource distribution
  2. Personalising treatment plans based on genetic data
  3. Forecasting hospital demand to improve service delivery
  4. Helping treatments reach patients more quickly
Show Answers Only

\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • D is correct. The scenario shows AI being used to quickly allocate medicines where they are needed, ensuring faster access to treatment.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect. This refers to public health surveillance, whereas the scenario focuses on medication access.
  • B is incorrect. Personalised care involves tailoring treatment to an individual’s genetics, not population supply.
  • C is incorrect. Forecasting hospital demand is related but broader; the scenario highlights the immediate delivery of medicines.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 040 MC

Which of the following is a current use of AI in healthcare?

  1. Performing heart transplants without human involvement
  2. Designing new hospitals in rural areas
  3. Using deep learning to identify cancerous tissue in scans
  4. Teaching doctors through mobile health apps
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct. Deep learning is currently used in healthcare to analyse medical images and identify potential cancerous tissue.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect. Too advanced; current surgical robots are AI-assisted but not autonomous.
  • C is incorrect. This relates to infrastructure planning, not a current medical use of AI.
  • D is incorrect. Mobile health apps support learning, but they are not an AI function in healthcare.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 039 MC

A mother is using Feed Safe to guide her alcohol consumption when breastfeeding. Which health benefit does this best demonstrate?

  1. Promotes more accurate diagnosis
  2. Supports safe decision-making for individual health
  3. Provides guidance on safe parenting practices
  4. Monitors the nutritional intake of the infant
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. Feed Safe, as described, supports mothers in making safe health decisions regarding alcohol and breastfeeding.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect. It relates more to medical imaging/AI than app-based decision support.
  • C is incorrect. This is too broad. Feed Safe targets a specific health choice, not general parenting.
  • D is incorrect. Alcohol consumption during breast feeding focuses on maternal consumption, not infant diet.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 038 MC

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the Australian government's Assessment Framework for mHealth apps?

  1. To regulate the pricing of health apps in Australia
  2. To enhance app credibility and help users identify reliable apps
  3. To prevent international health apps from entering the Australian market
  4. To ensure all health apps are free for Australian citizens
Show Answers Only

\(B\)

Show Worked Solution
  • B is correct. The framework aims to improve the trustworthiness of apps and assist users in recognising dependable applications.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect: The framework focuses on quality and reliability, not pricing regulation.
  • C is incorrect: The framework doesn’t restrict international apps but guides all developers.
  • D is incorrect: The framework doesn’t mandate free access to apps.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 037 MC

Which of the following is an example of a health app designed to help with mental health?

  1. FoodSwitch
  2. BrainTrack
  3. headspace
  4. PhysiApp
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct. headspace is a mental health App.

Other options:

  • A is incorrect. FoodSwitch focuses on nutrition by suggesting healthier food alternatives.
  • B is incorrect. BrainTrack monitors brain health and cognitive changes over time.
  • D is incorrect. PhysiApp supports physiotherapy exercise programs through guided videos and tracking.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 015

Explain the challenges for both patients and medical professionals of online medical consultations.   (4 marks)

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Challenges for patients:

  • Technology barriers create difficulties accessing online consultations. This occurs because patients may lack reliable internet or struggle with digital platforms. Consequently, older patients or those in low-income areas face exclusion from telehealth services.
  • Privacy concerns lead to reluctance in sharing sensitive health information. The reason for this is uncertainty about data security and who might access medical records. Therefore, patients may withhold important symptoms.

Challenges for medical professionals:

  • Limited physical examination capabilities result in diagnostic challenges. This happens when doctors cannot palpate, listen to chest sounds, or observe subtle physical signs. As a result, conditions requiring hands-on assessment may be missed.
  • Communication barriers generate misdiagnosis risks. This is due to poor video quality or patients struggling to describe symptoms accurately. Hence, doctors must rely on incomplete information, potentially compromising care quality.
Show Worked Solution

Challenges for patients:

  • Technology barriers create difficulties accessing online consultations. This occurs because patients may lack reliable internet or struggle with digital platforms. Consequently, older patients or those in low-income areas face exclusion from telehealth services.
  • Privacy concerns lead to reluctance in sharing sensitive health information. The reason for this is uncertainty about data security and who might access medical records. Therefore, patients may withhold important symptoms.

Challenges for medical professionals:

  • Limited physical examination capabilities result in diagnostic challenges. This happens when doctors cannot palpate, listen to chest sounds, or observe subtle physical signs. As a result, conditions requiring hands-on assessment may be missed.
  • Communication barriers generate misdiagnosis risks. This is due to poor video quality or patients struggling to describe symptoms accurately. Hence, doctors must rely on incomplete information, potentially compromising care quality.

HMS, HAG 2013 HSC 6 MC

What is a benefit of emerging medical technologies?

  1. They are readily accessible for all patients.
  2. They are inexpensive for public and private hospitals.
  3. They can provide a means of early detection.
  4. They decrease the need for Medicare and the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme.
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: New technologies enable earlier disease detection and diagnosis.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Emerging technologies often have limited initial accessibility.
  • B is incorrect: New technologies typically expensive during early adoption.
  • D is incorrect: Technologies complement rather than replace Medicare/PBS systems.

HMS, HAG 2015 HSC 1 MC

Which of the following is the main benefit of emerging treatments and technologies in health care

  1. Reduced costs for health care
  2.  Reduced dental health problems
  3. Improved early detection and screening procedures
  4. Improved waiting times for surgery in public hospitals
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: New technologies primarily enable earlier disease identification and screening.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Technology typically increases rather than reduces healthcare costs.
  • B is incorrect: Too specific, not the main overall benefit.
  • D is incorrect: Technology doesn’t directly address surgical waiting times.

HMS, HAG 2018 HSC 23

Discuss the impact of emerging new treatments and technologies in relation to health care in Australia. Use examples to support your answer.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only

  • [P] Positive Impact: Emerging technologies improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
  • [E] New treatments provide better therapeutic options and reduce recovery times.
  • [Ev] For example, keyhole surgery allows minimally invasive procedures with shorter hospital stays and faster healing. Telemedicine enables rural patients to access specialist consultations without travelling long distances. Artificial intelligence assists doctors in diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
  • [L] These advances enhance healthcare quality and accessibility across Australia.
      
  • [P] Negative Impact: However, new technologies create challenges for healthcare equity and sustainability.
  • [E] High costs and limited availability can worsen health disparities between different population groups.
  • [Ev] For example, expensive robotic surgery equipment is typically only available in major metropolitan hospitals, disadvantaging rural patients. Training healthcare professionals to use new technologies requires significant time and financial investment, straining healthcare budgets.
  • [L] These factors can create unequal access to advanced treatments and increase overall healthcare costs.

Show Worked Solution

  • [P] Positive Impact: Emerging technologies improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
  • [E] New treatments provide better therapeutic options and reduce recovery times.
  • [Ev] For example, keyhole surgery allows minimally invasive procedures with shorter hospital stays and faster healing. Telemedicine enables rural patients to access specialist consultations without travelling long distances. Artificial intelligence assists doctors in diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
  • [L] These advances enhance healthcare quality and accessibility across Australia.
      
  • [P] Negative Impact: However, new technologies create challenges for healthcare equity and sustainability.
  • [E] High costs and limited availability can worsen health disparities between different population groups.
  • [Ev] For example, expensive robotic surgery equipment is typically only available in major metropolitan hospitals, disadvantaging rural patients. Training healthcare professionals to use new technologies requires significant time and financial investment, straining healthcare budgets.
  • [L] These factors can create unequal access to advanced treatments and increase overall healthcare costs.