A University of Queensland-led project will test a combination of technologies to improve the early detection of potentially fatal skin cancers in patients in regional and rural Australia.
The project has secured $3 million in funding from the Medical Research Future Fund as has the Queensland Digital Health Centre (QDHeC) at UQ which will lead an evaluation of artificial intelligence, AI, in healthcare.
Professor Monika Janda from UQ’s Centre for Health Services Research said the aim of the skin cancer project is to inform work towards a national, targeted melanoma screening program for Australia.
“Rates of skin cancer are higher in regional areas, however fewer than 10 per cent of dermatologists practice outside capital cities,” Professor Janda said.
“We want to ensure equitable access to skin imaging services for regional Australians and reduce the time between detection and treatment, ultimately saving lives.”
“Our study will look at how 3D total body photography, combined with artificial intelligence to support clinicians, can help improve and speed up skin cancer imaging,” Professor Janda said.
“Along with technology, the project will include upskilling regional staff.”
The research will be conducted at 9 regional hospital and health care centres across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, including a 3D total body imaging trial hub established in partnership with Mildura Base Public Hospital.
“All 9 regional hubs will use new technologies to test AI in healthcare and minimally invasive biopsy methods,” Professor Janda said.
“Conversations with consumers in regional communities have been pivotal in shaping the project’s focus.
“Geographical isolation and limited access to healthcare facilities exacerbate the challenges of living in regional Australia.
“Delivering services in rural areas is complex, but technology can help us to tackle the obstacles of distance and a shortage of medical specialists.”
Professor Janda said the project will improve research and clinical trial opportunities for patients in regional areas.
The project is an initiative of the ACRF Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis, comprising researchers from UQ, Monash University and University of Sydney.
UQ to study AI across healthcare
Led by Professor Clair Sullivan, the National infrastructure for real-time clinical AI trials (NASCENT) project at QDHeC aims to deliver national standards for AI evaluations and clinical assessments.
Professor Sullivan said the project would look at the infrastructure within the healthcare system which could enable clinical trials and workforce development and capacity in using AI technologies.
“Safe, effective and equitable introduction of clinical AI that feeds on electronic medical record data has the potential to transform care and improve patient outcomes,” Professor Sullivan said.
“NASCENT aims to help deliver this transformation and help Australia to achieve a vision of better health outcomes, improved patient and clinician experience and lower costs.”
The project will involve digital health, data science, software engineering and AI researchers, clinical informaticians, sepsis and acute deterioration clinical experts, and consumers.
The program is led by UQ and includes a partnership with the University of New South Wales and industry partners.
The 2 UQ projects were among 10 supported by the MRFF to harness the power of AI in the healthcare system.
Media contact
UQ Communications
communications@uq.edu.au
+61 429 056 139.
