An AI-powered model can unveil patterns in high-cost Cardiovascular patients, paving the way for improved interventions and reduced healthcare costs in Australia.
Can you tell us a bit about yourselves?
Shawon: I am a medically trained early-career epidemiologist currently working at the Centre for Big Data Research in Health (CBDRH) at 麻豆社madou Sydney. With over 10 years of experience conducting large-scale epidemiological studies using linked healthcare data from Australia, the UK, and Sweden, my research focuses on improving patient outcomes, mitigating healthcare disparities, and informing policy decisions.
Jennifer: I am a clinical cardiologist with research interests in risk prediction, reducing disaprity in health outcomes including siex/gender-based, and use of novel models of healthcare delivery and helath research including mHealth. I am a founding researcher in TCC, a novel mHealth-based virtual care solution that has been implemented in a range of populations, and CardiacAI, a next-generation data repository of cardiovascular patients.
Can you describe the research project funded by the CVMM Collaborative Grant?
Cardiovascular diseases are a major burden on Australia鈥檚 healthcare system, costing an estimated $12.7 billion annually. Some patients, known as 鈥渉igh-need, high-cost鈥 (HNHC) patients, require significantly more care, yet we lack tools to identify them early. Our research uses AI-powered models鈥攕imilar to ChatGPT鈥攖o analyse 20 years of hospital data and discover patterns among these patients. By understanding which patients are at the highest risk of frequent hospitalisation, we can design better interventions, like telehealth monitoring, to improve care and reduce costs. This project brings together experts in epidemiology, machine learning, and cardiology to create practical solutions for healthcare.
How has the CVMM Theme's funding supported your research?
CVMM funding has allowed us to explore this emerging research area, enabling us to take risks and refine our approach. This early-stage support has been critical in building momentum, learning from challenges, and positioning us for larger funding opportunities that will help scale our work to broader applications in cardiovascular healthcare.
And, just for fun, any streaming or reading recommendations?
Shawon: I recently watched Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix, a gripping drama inspired by the true story of Belle Gibson, an Australian wellness influencer who falsely claimed to have cured her brain cancer through alternative medicine. The series explores deception, the wellness industry, and the power of social media in shaping health narratives.
Jennifer: Currently reading Orbital by Samantha Harvey, which is set in the International Space Station - enjoying the completely new perspective!