Researchers from The University of Western Australia are developing a system using artificial intelligence that can predict the likelihood of suicide in individuals most at risk, and assist with clinical decision-making.<\/p>\n
The research team from UWA and the Mental Health Service at Armadale Kalamunda Group has been awarded a Mental Health Research Fund Grant by the East Metropolitan Health Service to create a system that will improve the existing risk assessment framework used by healthcare providers.<\/p>\n
The current methodology to predict an individuals risk of suicide or self-harm is highly subjective and can be influenced by the assessors experience, recent negative outcomes and other biases.<\/p>\n
Through the development of a computer-based system using artificial intelligence algorithms, the researchers will be able to determine the factors in actual behaviour which are better predictors of risk.<\/p>\n
The system would be developed as a companion tool to be used alongside the current risk assessment models and protocols.<\/p>\n
Professor Mohammed Bennamoun from UWAs Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering said a system that could successfully improve prediction of self-harm or suicide would have worldwide implications.<\/p>\n
It will also be particularly useful in places where there are fewer mental health specialists available to carry out the risk analysis, Professor Bennamoun said.<\/p>\n
Dr Dharjinder Rooprai, Head of Psychiatry and Consultant Psychiatrist at the Armadale Kalamunda Group, said a high proportion of individuals who went on to commit suicide often suffered with a mental illness, including depression.<\/p>\n
An artificial intelligence system that can be employed by healthcare providers to assist their patients risk of suicide or self-harm assessment would have a profoundly positive impact on their patients care journey, Dr Rooprai said.<\/p>\n
The researchers are also considering facial recognition as a tool to identify an individuals mental state and predict the likelihood of adverse outcomes.<\/p>\n
Professor Bennamoun said that while, for example, facial recognition was increasingly used for tracking and surveillance, artificial intelligence overall would have a significant impact on humans in new ways.<\/p>\n
The capability of facial recognition to identify patients at risk of suicide would be revolutionary in the field of psychiatry and would have implications far beyond risk prediction, he said.<\/p>\n
Simone Hewett (UWA Media and PR Manager) 08 6488 3229 \/ 0432 637 716<\/p>\n
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