A FACIAL recognition app that detects pain in older people is being rolled out in select aged care facilities nationwide.
The PainCheck app works by recognising nine micro-facial expressions that indicate pain.
Carers use the software to take a three-second video of the patient's face. The app then analyses the facial expressions and indicates the level of pain using a point system.
The technology allows patients who are having trouble verbalising pain, such as those with dementia, to access appropriate treatment and management more quickly.
The national rollout comes after a successful pilot program last year at aged care facilities in Western Australia and South Australia
Led by Dementia Support Australia, the rollout will make the software available to 150 facilities partnering with the organisation and caring for up to 5000 people with dementia.
"Using the PainChek app has improved the way we assess pain in our facility, and enabled our staff to provide better pain care to our residents," said Matt Kowald, general manager of Barossa Village, one of the care services using the software.
"The automatic reporting feature has improved the efficiency of data handling, and simplified reporting for accreditation and auditing purposes."