Breaking Barriers with the Baker Institute’s new AI-powered Chatbot
What if artificial intelligence could help break down one of the biggest barriers in Australian healthcare?
That’s the ambition behind a bold new project from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, who are enthusiastically jumping aboard the AI revolution in order to assist the 1.9 million Australians that live with diabetes.
The project, made possible by $50,000 of grant assistance from Telematics Trust, will see a world-first AI-powered platform and chatbot developed that provides tailored, clinician-approved diabetes care plans and real-time support to people who need it most.
With many of those living with diabetes struggling to access consistent care, particularly those living in regional, remote, or disadvantaged communities, the Baker Institute’s new platform is set to help transform how the condition is managed and lived with.
A High-Stakes Problem
Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic condition in the country and one of the leading causes of disability and premature death.
Despite these stakes, many do not receive the care they need. In fact, only 20% of Australians with Type 1 diabetes and 40% with Type 2 are meeting treatment goals recommended to prevent complications.
The biggest barriers? Cost, distance, and lack of access to specialist services. That’s where the Baker Institute’s new platform will step in. By providing a low-cost, AI-powered service with clinician oversight, the platform will offer a lifeline to those at risk of falling through the cracks.
Drawing on the Institute’s vast pool of clinical data, the platform’s AI chatbot will offer personalised, evidence-based diabetes care plans, ongoing coaching and education and, best of all, 24/7 accessibility regardless of location.
The chatbot will also link directly with diabetes guidelines, have the capability to analyse patient data including blood glucose levels, and provide regular management advice.
The platform is set to empower individuals to take control of their health and, as a welcome side-effect, also ease the burden on GPs and hospitals.
Full Steam Ahead
Now that $50,000 of funding from Telematics Trust has been secured, it’s full steam ahead on development of the platform for the team at the Baker Institute.
Once complete, the platform will initially serve 5,000 - 10,000 Victorian patients through the Institute’s diabetes services and wider clinical network.
Throughout this period, feedback will be sought by the Institute’s team from patients regarding ease of use and suitability of advice provided, which will guide further refining and tech-development as needed.
Associate Professor Neale Cohen, Director of Clinical Services at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, reflected fondly on the Institute’s partnership with the Telematics Trust:
“Generous support from the Telematics Trust has been instrumental in advancing our AI-powered diabetes management platform. This innovative technology, developed at the Baker Institute, enables people with diabetes to receive personalised, evidence-based care through an interactive chatbot, with oversight from our clinical team. By improving access to specialist guidance, particularly for people in rural and disadvantaged communities, this platform has the potential to transform diabetes care in Victoria and beyond. We are immensely grateful to the Telematics Trust for enabling this important work which will reduce the burden of diabetes for individuals and the healthcare system.”
Partners in Innovation
This marks a leap forward in equitable, personalised healthcare. But innovation like this doesn’t happen in isolation.
It takes a leading medical research team, like those at the Baker Institute, combined with the forward-thinking supporters at the Telematics Trust, to usher in this kind of scientific innovation, leadership, and community engagement.
To learn more and stay informed about the Baker Institute’s project, or help expand the Institute’s reach by donating, visit their website.
