Program that translates complex medical terms into Indigenous languages up for healthcare award

A program that translates complex medical terms into traditional Indigenous languages is a finalist in a challenge to improve regional healthcare in WA. The Lyfe Language program has received $200,000 after being named as one of 10 research finalists in the State Government’s Challenge competition to improve regional healthcare. The Lyfe program is a web-based application that medical practitioners can use to translate terms and ask questions to patients in their language. Lyfe Language founder Dr Gareth Baynam said the technology would close the communication gap that could exist when doctors communicated with patients in remote communities. “As technology continues to improve health and lifestyle outcomes for the wider community, we need to make sure that innovation is equitable. We must not widen the gap,” he said. “With Lyfe Languages, we can close the healthcare communication gap to prevent suffering and death. “In fact, the opportunity is to leapfrog the gap. Through global leadership and community co-design and public-private partnerships, we will deliver solutions in the Pilbara, first and foremost for the Pilbara. “ The Challenge competition looks for digital solutions to help regional WA’s struggling healthcare industry and received about 100 submissions. The 10 finalists all received $200,000 to test the feasibility of their technology in the community over 12 months. The winner will receive $5 million.