Local Researchers Get Funding to Harness AI in Health

• WA innovators awarded Innovative Solutions grants to advance digital health projects
• Technology such as artificial intelligence to deliver more personalised and connected healthcare
• Funded by the Cook Government's Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund

An innovative Perth cardiologist is exploring the use of artificial intelligence in medicine to empower people to help them better understand their own health.

Professor Girish Dwivedi's team, which includes Dr Sara Sukudom, based at the Fiona Stanley Hospital, is one of 14 successful recipients who will share in almost $5 million through the Cook Government's Innovative Solutions - Digital Health funding program.

Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said the grants were being provided to the program through the Government's groundbreaking Future Health Research and Innovation Fund. They are being awarded to projects that enhance digital health capabilities that improve the health and wellbeing of Western Australians.

Professor Dwivedi has received close to $500,000 to research the development of a personalised health platform, known as Orva.

This revolutionary technology uses generative artificial intelligence (AI) to help explain health information in layman's terms and encourages patients to ask questions about their treatment and health plan.

Several other successful recipients also incorporate AI into their projects, including associate professor Matthew Anstey from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH), who has been awarded $91,300 for an AI-based initiative that can predict sepsis in the emergency department.

Professor Elizabeth Davis was awarded more than $450,000 for her work to revolutionise diabetes management in WA by harnessing the power of data.

Professor Davis, who is the head of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Department at Perth Children's Hospital, is leading a project that will enable diabetes care plans to be tailored to individual patient needs. This personalised approach means patients receive the right care at the right time, leading to improved health outcomes.

Since the FHRI Fund was established in 2020, approximately $215 million in grants has been awarded to more than 650 recipients, to support health and medical research and innovation in WA. Over the next four years there is almost $280 million available to fund more programs and initiatives.

Visit the FHRI Fund website for more information.

Comments attributed to Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson:

"We have an incredible pool of very talented and innovative medical researchers here in WA that are conducting world-leading projects in the digital health space.

"Digital health technologies can generate a more collaborative healthcare approach for both patients and practitioners.

"Whether it's surgery using artificial intelligence or personalised care plans, the sector has come a long way and continues to advance.

"The work of our innovators is crucial when it comes to advancing digital health solutions and the Cook Government's FHRI Fund is pivotal in making this happen."