Grant: Travel Awards - Institute Community Support

There is a growing body of evidence indicating that the healthcare needs of people living with substance use disorders (SUD) are not being fully met by the existing health system. Significant obstacles remain, particularly with regards to the challenges associated with optimizing treatment and care planning for a population that typically presents to healthcare with a number of complex and co-occurring conditions (e.g., infectious diseases, psychiatric conditions). Optimistically, there is growing investment in artificial intelligence (AI), which presents a unique opportunity to redefine how data is used in health, with potential for significant impact on patient care and the health of populations. Aligned with CIHR-Institute of Population and Public Health's mandate and the 'Equitable AI' strategic research priority, my program of research utilizes linked administrative data to answer key questions related to optimizing healthcare for people living with SUD. As part of this work, my research also seeks to understand the ethical and societal implications of applying these data-driven and technologically advanced approaches to population and public health, particularly as it pertains to marginalized populations. Alongside key stakeholders, I also aim to apply the knowledge gained to ethically and appropriately design and implement AI interventions to optimize health systems, and by extension, treatment and care for this population.