Professor Clara Chow Honored with ACvA Translation Award for Digital Health Innovation

Professor Clara Chow, affiliated with Western Sydney Local Health District, was honored with the 2025 Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA) Translation Award. This recognition highlights her contributions as a leading cardiovascular and stroke researcher in Australia.

The award also acknowledged the Westmead Applied Research Centre (WARC) Digital Health Team for its impact in transforming healthcare delivery through research-driven innovation.

Professor Chow emphasized the significance of this national award, stating its focus on translation and real-world impact.

Cardiovascular disease is a critical health issue in Australia, accounting for one in five deaths.

Transforming Healthcare with Digital Innovation

The digital health initiative, spearheaded by Professor Chow and her team, commenced in 2010 with initial funding from the Heart Foundation. This program has since grown, supporting over 10,000 cardiovascular patients in Western Sydney.

The innovative approach delivers personalized post-discharge support through various digital tools, including text messages, applications, wearables, and artificial intelligence. This method has been shown to reduce patient readmissions by 10-20%.

Expanding Impact and Future Potential

The post-discharge support service recently expanded to include Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, with approximately 600 individuals enrolled so far.

This trajectory from initial research and co-design through clinical trials to integration within the health system demonstrates the tangible impact of the research and its potential for broader adoption across Australia.

Acknowledging Excellence in Cardiovascular Research

Globally, cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of death. The ACvA Awards serve to recognize the depth, influence, and variety of cardiovascular and stroke research conducted throughout Australia, spanning from foundational science to clinical implementation.