Artificial intelligence (AI) is continuing to change the way people look after their health, with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network utilising new, interactive AI technology to help combat rising rates of bowel cancer.
NQPHN has partnered with Heathily to utilise its GoShare AI platform, which allows general practitioners to deliver a bowel cancer screening bundle that uses AI voice calls, SMS reminders, and phone conversations to answer questions from eligible patients aged between 45-49.
The age range was lowered from 50 by the National Health and Medical Research Council in 2023 to address the rising rates of bowel cancer in young adults.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth said the initiative was an example of how innovative technology could strengthen healthcare.
“Early detection is one of the most effective tools we have against bowel cancer,” Mr Tooth said.
“By making screening easier, more accessible, and supported by general practices, we’re helping northern Queenslanders take charge of their health.”
The platform identifies eligible patients through their GP clinic and prompts them via SMS to have a health assessment – including bowel screening.
Patients can then receive an automated follow-up phone call through GoShare, which, using conversational Voice AI, answers any questions they have over the phone, including questions about bowel screening, in real-time.
According to NQPHN’s Joint Regional Needs Assessment (JRNA), the participation rate of bowel cancer screening in the northern Queensland region was 35 per cent for 2020-21 – slightly lower than Queensland’s average of 37.5 per cent.
The Bowel Cancer Screening Bundles aim to increase screening participation rates and early detection of bowel cancer.
Balance! Edmonton Family Medical Centre Practice Manager Anna Stuy regularly uses the GoShare patient recall bundles and believes quality improvement activities enhance the effectiveness of patient care at her Cairns clinic.
“The NQPHN-funded bundles have been an amazing initiative as it has helped us deliver more proactive care – reducing missed appointments, improving recall processes, and supporting patients to better understand and manage their health,” Ms Stuy said.
“We are excited to take part in the bowel cancer screening bundles. The main aim [is] to detect cancer earlier – when treatment is most effective is of considerable importance.”
The initiative is funded through Queensland Health’s PHN cancer screening partnerships, collaborating with primary health care to increase participation rates in the National Cancer Screening Programs.
General practices in northern Queensland are encouraged to register their interest in adopting the Bowel Cancer Screening Bundles.
Further developments are underway to provide calls in different languages for patients.
More information can be found at the NQPHN website or contacting the Primary Care Engagement team at pce@nqphn.com.au.