Lay summary
Each year, many people die after surgery because complications aren’t detected and treated early enough. This research aims to improve how patients are monitored after surgery by using digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI). We will carry out studies across multiple hospitals to improve existing early warning systems so that signs of patient deterioration are picked up sooner. We will also engage key stakeholders to ensure new digital systems align with the needs of healthcare staff, patients, and whānau. We will collaborate with AI experts, and use privacy-focused methods to share knowledge whilst retaining health data sovereignty. Our work will evaluate for bias and promote equity, especially for our Tangata whenua. We anticipate that this work will reduce postoperative mortality by 50%, and develop NZ’s digital healthcare infrastructure towards reduced hospital costs and improved equity.