PainChek

PainChek Ltd (PCK) is engaged in the development and commercialization of mobile medical device applications, that automate intelligent pain assessment of individuals who are unable to communicate their pain with carers.

PCK is involved in provision of pain management and better medication for residents living with dementia and other communication difficulties. The company has obtained regulatory clearance in Australia and Europe.

In 2012, Professor Jeff Hughes, within the school of pharmacy at Curtin University in Western Australia, had realised the limitations of the existing paper-based pain assessment tools used within aged care. He started a research project with his colleague Dr. Kreshnik Hoti and PhD student Mustafa Atee to find a better solution to a growing problem. The research company ePAT Pty Ltd was formed within Curtin University and Prof Hughes was the initial CEO. By 2015 the prototype ePAT (electronic pain assessment tool) had been developed and by 2016 the initial clinical trials had been completed within Residential Aged Care to validate the clinical utility.

In October 2016, this promising technology led to the company being taken out of Curtin University and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).