More than just a pain clinic in your pocket, the just-launched CHARLI Health app is the first Australian hybrid technology and real-world period and reproductive health tracking app that also helps women take control of the diagnosis and management of debilitating and highly undiagnosed conditions such as endometriosis – and more!
The CHARLI.Health app uses secure AI technology to help women track and monitor menstruation, fertility, sexual health, pregnancy, and peri/menopause, and identify pain or possible conditions like endometriosis.
Developed by leading Australian medical and allied health experts with women for women, together with consumers, the CHARLI app (here for iPhones and iPads and here for Androids) is the first Australian health app to empower women to take charge of their health and well-being.
As the app’s description states, “From before your first period, to your last and beyond, through sexual health, fertility, pregnancy, and peri-menopause, CHARLI is your health expert in your pocket.”
Full details on the app and its remarkable c-ofounders, Dr Anusch Yazdani and Clinical Specialist Nurse Samantha Costa, are below, but first, here’s the Saturday 6 April 2024 edition of Talking Tech with me, Alex Zaharov-Reutt, where both Anusch and Samantha were my special guests to talk all about the impressive CHARLI Health app
To skip directly to the start of the interview with Anusch and Samantha, please jump to the 4 minute and 5 second mark, otherwise you can enjoy a brief recap of a decade of Meta’s VR headset technologies first, followed by the rest of the hour with both founders of the CHARLI Health app. The article continues thereafter – please read on! ]
Please note – Anusch and Samanatha’s Zoom settings must have been set to “mirror”, because you can see the names on their uniforms are mirrored. This obviously was not intentional and I only noticed it when I was watching the replay.
So, what else do we need to know about the CHARLI Health app? Well, there’s plenty more – let’s read on!
After a free three-month trial period, during which the GPT-4 Turbo powered AI features are free to use (after which the cost will be AUD $1.99 per month), many of the non-AI powered features can be used, free of charge. Here are the features as listed for the first version, with this list of features taken from the App Store listing:
- Health, cycle, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause monitoring
- AI diagnostics to assess health risks like abnormal bleeding or pain and conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome
- Data-driven algorithms to optimise reproductive health and prompt guideline-based screening
- Evidence-based articles and blogs by leading medical and reproductive experts tailored to your health needs
- Unprecedented access to personalised and evidence-based information, diagnostics, assistance, and multidisciplinary care
- AI driven expert support from your pocket, any time and under your terms
- Integrated link to virtual clinic with real-world health care professionals and multi-disciplinary health services
Associate Professor Anusch Yazdani, Medical Director at Endometriosis Australia and a co-founder said CHARLI app is the solution for the inequities in healthcare access and diagnostic support, especially in rural and remote populations, aiming to reduce the alarming delay from onset of the first symptoms and diagnosis – six years.
He added; “We know there are many Australians living with the symptoms of endometriosis undiagnosed for years, especially in rural and remote areas. CHARLI aims to address this by identifying abnormal patterns and prompting women to discuss with their doctor”.
Samantha Costa, Clinical Specialist Nurse and Midwife and co-creator behind the technology said CHARLI aims to support Australians in embracing their health every step of the way. “CHARLI’s your health companion in your pocket and is here to address the shame, silence, and stigma that still exists surrounding female health-related symptoms. We’re grateful to partner with Endometriosis Australia to support the 1 in 7 Australians living with the condition and provide a quicker diagnosis and easier support.”
As noted in the media release on the app, we’re told CHARLI.app “identifies abnormal patterns via self-logged data as well as information sources from wearables, such as Apple watch and FitBit. Based on data, the app promotes lifestyle change and alerts to user to talk with their doctor about important reproductive conditions including endometriosis, through user data driven AI algorithms.”
One of the elements of the app – CHARLI.clinic (virtual clinic) – links users with real-world designated healthcare professionals, including GPs, specialists, and allied healthcare practitioners such as counsellors, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists. The virtual clinic also provides access to group support, including classes and webinars.
Dr Claudia Duke, Brisbane-based GP who was part of the development team, said that CHARLI app is a critical evolution for rural and remote populations, that have limited access to specialists: “The app’s development was led by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, GP’s, and specialists with experience in the management of the rural and remote patients. The lived experience of women and girls facing the challenges of puberty, endometriosis, infertility and menopause with limited access to care, contributed to the development of the AI app and virtual clinic.”
CHARLI.research, another component of the app, allows those who wish to, to participate in third party approved research projects. Monica Forlano, Chair of Endometriosis Australia says the organisation has always championed research into this disease and empowering those with endometriosis with latest findings: “To provide better treatment options, we need to unlock critical new information about endometriosis, and researchers simply can’t do it without help and collaboration of those living with the condition.”
As a peak body, Endometriosis Australia notes it “continues to advocate for those living with endometriosis, amplifying their voice and community awareness, as well as educating and supporting healthcare professionals looking to diagnose and care for their patients.”
For those needing a refresher, endometriosis is a common disease where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the body. Endometriosis most often affects the reproductive organs, but it can also be found in and around the bowel and bladder, and less commonly, in other parts of the body, including the skin, joints, lungs, and brain. The inflammation and scarring from endometriosis can cause symptoms such as pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, anxiety, depression, back pain, and reduced fertility – to name a few. The condition affects 1 in 7 Australian females by their 50th birthday.
Finally, the App Store lists a disclaimer for the app, which states: “The material, including, but not limited to, text, graphics, videos or other information in any format, accessed in this app is for informational purposes only. No material in this app is a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
“Always seek the advice of your qualified health care provider with any questions regarding any condition, diagnosis or treatment or before undertaking any health care intervention. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of any material in this app.”
