ARTIFICIAL Intelligence could see the local pharmacy emerging as the solution in concussion screening and detection, with new technology exhibited at APP2026 offering a fast, scientifically validated way to protect patients before injuries escalate.
Sciana has partnered with NeuroFlex to bring the TGA-registered system into its pharmacy platform, with a virtual reality headset used to objectively measure oculomotor and vestibular-ocular performance.
The headset presents standardised visual stimuli while precisely tracking eye and head movements in real time, removing the variability of manual testing and generating consistent, data-driven results.
When combined with clinical interviews, symptom assessment, and neurocognitive testing, the system achieves over 90% accuracy in detecting concussions.
The company is targeting pharmacists as one of the most accessible healthcare settings for patients with close ties to local communities.
Dubbo-based pharmacist Angus Koerstz is an early adopter of Sciana's NeuroFlex concussion testing technology, and said the testing helps the team "make a real difference" by improving access to concussion care.
"The real value of this technology is how accessible it makes concussion testing," Koerstz said.
"As a pharmacy that works closely with local sporting organisations, where concussion is a very real and ongoing issue, being able to provide this service means we can make a genuine difference in our community.
"Supporting the teams and clubs we're involved with is something we're really proud to do."
In Australia, concussion is a growing public health concern, particularly within the sports, healthcare and occupational safety landscapes, with a cost of over $1 billion to the economy.
While concussion in sports dominates the headlines, 80% of concussions occur elsewhere, including falls, workplace incidents and car accidents.
"Introducing innovative technologies like this expands what pharmacy can offer and allows us to play a bigger role in early assessment and patient care," Koerstz said.
"It's a great initiative and a real opportunity for community pharmacy to use new technology to support people and improve access to concussion care."
A subscription of $250 per month includes the use of a laptop and virtual reality headset, access to the Sciana platform, and training and support.
Pharmacists can charge $89 for a 15-minute concussion check, of which they keep $40.
The company has produced a whitepaper on concussion in Australia - read it HERE. KB
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