Curtin researchers will develop a system that uses artificial intelligence to provide rapid, personalized care for young people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, in a new project led by Curtin and supported by the federal government.

Lead researcher Professor Helen Slater, from the Curtin School of Allied Health, said the aim was to help young Australians aged 16 to 21 with chronic musculoskeletal pain take control of their health and improve their health and well-being.

Despite the significant burden of chronic musculoskeletal pain in young Australians, a persistent service gap remains. While primary care services are available for young people with chronic conditions, age-appropriate, accessible, affordable and effective resources to support high-value musculoskeletal pain care across Australia are lacking. .

Professor Helen Slater, Curtin School of Allied Health

Professor Slater said an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Curtin, Flinders University and the WA Department of Health, together with international researchers from New Zealand, Canada and the United States, would develop, implement implement and evaluate myPATH.

“MyPATH will work as a ‘virtual clinician and coach’ model of care to deliver personalized pain care directly to young people,” Professor Slater said.

“This dynamic, interactive system will quickly teach young people what pain care they need, when they need it, and what works best for them, helping them understand and better manage their individual pain care needs. supporting them and encouraging them to adopt healthy habits.”

The Medical Research Future Fund provides grants to support research and innovation in health and medicine, with the aim of improving the health and well-being of Australians.