Australians with endometriosis to gain access to “game-changing” app

A new app could help Australian women “take control” of the diagnosis and management of highly undiagnosed conditions such as endometriosis.

Endometriosis Australia, a charity that raises awareness, educates and funds research for endometriosis, has partnered with CHARLI app to launch a “game-changing” platform that could help thousands of Australians struggling with the condition.

Associate Professor Anusch Yazdani, medical director at Endometriosis Australia and CHARLI co-founder, said the 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.

“We know there are many Australians living with the symptoms of endometriosis undiagnosed for years, especially in rural and remote areas,” Yazdani said.

“CHARLI aims to address this by identifying abnormal patterns and prompting women to discuss with their doctor”. 

The app, developed by medical and health experts together with consumers, uses AI to help women track and monitor menstruation, fertility, sexual health, pregnancy, and peri/menopause and identify pain or possible conditions like endometriosis. 

It 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 AI algorithms.

“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,” said Samantha Costa, clinical specialist nurse and midwife and CHARLI co-founder.

“We’re grateful to partner with Endometriosis Australia to support the one in seven Australians living with the condition and provide a quicker diagnosis and easier support.” 

One of the elements of the platform, CHARLI.clinic, links users with 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.

CHARLI.research, another component of the app, allows those who wish to, to participate in third party approved research projects.

Dr Claudia Duke, a 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.”

Monica Forlano, chair of Endometriosis Australia, added: “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.”