AI app will support hand hygiene at MUHC

MONTREAL – This fall, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) will implement the Artificially Intelligent Monitoring System (AIMS) platform technology at the Montreal General Hospital. The first AIMS application at the MUHC will focus on hand hygiene, supporting staff in maintaining compliance and helping reduce the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

This perceptual ambient AI technology will enable the collection, interpretation, and processing of anonymous data to improve patient safety.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 5% and 15% of patients will develop a healthcare-associated infection during a care episode in developed countries. Hand hygiene compliance is recognized as the most effective measure to prevent infections caused by bacteria such as MRSA and by respiratory viruses.

“Protecting patients from preventable harm is at the heart of our mission,” says Dr. Lucie Opatrny (pictured), president and executive director of the MUHC. “By introducing this technology, we are equipping our teams with another tool to reinforce best practices and deliver the safest care possible. This project also highlights how academic health centres can combine clinical expertise with technological innovation to drive meaningful transformation across our sector.”

About the technology
AIMS employs an advanced network of ceiling-embedded devices that monitor care spaces through infrared-based 3D sensors and alerts healthcare workers to unsafe conditions, while ensuring complete patient and staff privacy.

The system detects handwashing behaviour, providing real-time feedback – a green light when hands are washed for at least 15 seconds, per MUHC protocol, or a yellow light and gentle ping when the protocol is not followed.

Furthermore, data from the system will be used to refine infection prevention strategies and reinforce existing hand hygiene protocols, all without disrupting daily clinical activities.

AIMS adopts a ‘privacy by design’ approach and cannot identify individuals. It is not a camera and does not record video or still images. All information is processed securely on-site, ensuring that sensitive data never leaves the MUHC’s infrastructure.

Advancing care through innovation
This project is part of a multi-year collaboration with Lumenix and reflects a shared commitment to advancing healthcare innovation in ways that directly benefit patients and staff.

“Our partnership with MUHC represents exactly the kind of collaboration that drives meaningful, inclusive healthcare innovation,” says Scott Delaney, chairman and CEO, Lumenix. “MUHC’s unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership and innovation makes them an ideal partner as we continue to develop and expand the AIMS platform capabilities.

“Together, we’re not just implementing technology – we’re lighting the way toward 21st century solutions for 21st-century healthcare challenges. At Lumenix, we look forward to combining our expertise with MUHC’s vision to build healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.”

As a leader in AI research and development, the MUHC will partner with Lumenix to develop solutions addressing other patient safety challenges. This collaboration agreement demonstrates the MUHC’s commitment to encouraging innovation in a manner that is ethical, transparent and supportive of our teams.

“Patient well-being is our top priority, yet for too long health systems have struggled to reduce patient safety events,” said Dr. Alan Forster, director of Innovation, Performance and Quality at the MUHC. “Perceptual ambient AI will complement the skills and commitment of our staff and it will help us address challenges once considered intractable. To improve patient care and safety, we will uphold sound ethical principles at every stage of our work.”