“We’re trying to create somewhere that patients can come and know that it’s safe and it’s private.” Denis Roche
“We’re trying to create somewhere that patients can come and know that it’s safe and it’s private.”
Denis Roche
The latest episode of ADAPT Radio, explores an AI-powered platform that helps patients record questions and quality-of-life issues ahead of time to support more effective consultations. Currently being trialled with cancer patients, we hear how the system integrates with electronic health records, improves patient engagement, and has the potential to cut clinician workload in half.
Our guest Denis Roche, CEO and founder of eAltra, discusses how artificial intelligence is being used to transform cancer care. eAltra, a Trinity College Dublin campus company built on research from the ADAPT Centre, has developed a conversational AI platform that allows patients to record their questions, symptoms, and quality-of-life concerns ahead of consultations. Currently being trialled in hospitals such as St. James’s and Tallaght, the platform is showing strong potential to enhance patient engagement, improve clinical efficiency, and significantly reduce the burden on healthcare professionals.
With over 25 years of experience in digitising patient pathways, Roche brings deep expertise in clinical settings, cognitive computing, and data analytics. He explains that eAltra’s technology is designed not to replace human interaction, but to empower patients and make consultations more meaningful. By supporting patients in articulating their concerns and questions before appointments, the system helps ensure that consultations focus on what matters most to them.
The AI system has been carefully developed in collaboration with clinicians and supported by the ADAPT Centre, which brought expertise in dialog systems originally used for language learning. Feedback from patients (many of whom are older and might not be familiar with new technologies) has been overwhelmingly positive. The intuitive, conversational interface has proven accessible and effective, even among those with limited tech experience. Importantly, clinical teams are already seeing the impact. Staff at St. James’s Hospital estimated that the platform could reduce the time spent on certain assessment tasks by as much as 50%. This not only frees up time for clinicians but also improves the scheduling and delivery of care.
Throughout the episode, Roche emphasises that the goal of eAltra is to give patients the right information ultimately enhancing their ability to engage in their own care. As the healthcare sector grapples with rising demand and limited resources, eAltra’s approach to human-centred AI offers a timely and practical solution. Backed by Enterprise Ireland funding and recognised as Best Emerging AI at the Spark Crowdfunding Top 100 Awards, the platform is poised to make a meaningful difference in how cancer care is delivered.
Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud or Spotify.
