An innovative Perth cardiologist is leading the charge in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare to empower patients with a better understanding of their health.
Professor Girish Dwivedi and his team, including Dr Sara Sukudom at Fiona Stanley Hospital, are among 14 recipients of nearly $5 million in funding from the Cook Government’s Innovative Solutions – Digital Health program.
The funding, provided through the government’s Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund, aims to support projects that enhance digital health capabilities to improve the health and well-being of Western Australians.
Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson highlighted the importance of these grants, noting that they are designed to foster world-class research in the digital health space.
“Digital health technologies can generate a more collaborative healthcare approach for both patients and practitioners,” Minister Dawson said.
“Whether it’s surgery using artificial intelligence or personalised care plans, the sector has come a long way and continues to advance.”
Professor Dwivedi has received close to $500,000 to develop a personalized health platform known as Orva.
This platform leverages generative AI to explain complex health information in simple, layman’s terms, encouraging patients to engage more deeply with their treatment plans.
Other recipients also incorporate AI into their groundbreaking work. Associate Professor Matthew Anstey from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (SCGH) has been awarded $91,300 to develop an AI-based system capable of predicting sepsis in emergency departments.
This project aims to provide faster, more accurate diagnoses, potentially saving lives in critical situations.
In another development, Professor Elizabeth Davis of Perth Children’s Hospital received over $450,000 to transform diabetes management in WA.
Her project focuses on tailoring diabetes care plans to individual patient needs, ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time.
“This personalised approach to diabetes management will lead to better health outcomes for patients,” said Professor Davis.
Since its inception in 2020, the FHRI Fund has awarded approximately $215 million in grants to over 650 recipients, supporting health and medical research across Western Australia.
With an additional $280 million available over the next four years, the fund will continue to play a key role in advancing health innovation in the state.
“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,” Minister Dawson added.
