Digital health applications: A game-changer in post-hospitalisation heart failure care
According to a study published in the International Journal of Cardiology, the use of electronic health services via health applications after heart failure (HF) hospitalisation notably enhances patient outcomes and reduces mortality risk.
The research team aimed to scrutinise the effectiveness of digital health interventions (DHI) in comparison to conventional care for patients who had previously been hospitalised due to HF. To do this, they performed a retrospective study involving ten randomised controlled trials listed on databases such as MEDLINE, Cochrane, OVID, CINHAL, and ERIC. The trials studied the effects of DHI on patients with HF. The sample size comprised 7204 patients, predominantly men, with an average age of 65.7 years. These patients were followed for nearly 16 months, with all-cause death being the primary outcome measured.
Upon comparing the group utilising DHI with the standard care group, researchers discovered a reduction in all-cause mortality (8.5% vs. 10.2%; risk ratio [RR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.96; P =.02) as well as cardiovascular mortality (7.3% vs. 9.6%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.94; P =.01). However, the study found no significant difference in HF-related hospitalisations (23.4% vs. 26.2%; RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.66-1.02; P =.07) and all-cause hospitalisations (48.3% vs. 49.9%; RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.77-1.03; P =.11).
Further, the DHI group experienced fewer lost days due to HF-related hospitalisations when compared with the standard care group (mean difference [MD], -1.77; 95% CI, -3.06 to -0.48; P =.01; I2 = 51). However, the number of days lost to all-cause hospitalisations was similar in both groups (MD, -0.76; 95% CI, -3.07 to -1.55; P =.52; I2 = 69).
The study had certain limitations, including reliance on study-level data rather than individual patient data, the meta-analysis research design, variability in certain study endpoints, and a lack of representation of women in the study group.
The authors of the study concluded, “This meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials supports a reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with less total time spent in HF hospitalisations when DHI is employed in patients with prior HF hospitalisations.” They further highlighted the need for more extensive studies to examine different types of DHI and assess their cost-effectiveness in managing HF.
Read More“Digital health will just be healthcare”: Hospital chiefs predict seamless integration of healthcare and technology
Leading digital authorities within the healthcare sector foresee a more virtual, automated, and user-friendly health system in five years. Their vision includes seamless digital integration, a feature which has already begun to take shape across many hospitals, according to industry leaders interviewed by Becker’s, a leading healthcare publication.
Daniel Barchi, executive vice president and CIO of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health, equates the evolution of digital health with the development of e-commerce, noting that just as electronic commerce became a mainstream aspect of business, so too will digital health simply become “health”. CommonSpirit, operating 143 hospitals in 22 states, is embracing this digital evolution by using its size and mission to leverage digital population health tools. These tools aggregate data to assist clinicians and patients in managing health and wellness.
Philadelphia-based Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health’s executive vice president and chief information and digital officer, Nassar Nizami, expects to see a broad adoption, integration, and implementation of several technologies within the next five years. He asserts that digital health signifies a cultural revolution within traditional healthcare. The organisation is investing in enhancing its existing AI technology, which aids physicians in assessing cancer risk in lumps or nodules, stroke risk in CT scans, and the potential requirement for blood transfusions in patients. Moreover, the organisation is utilising automation in areas such as IT, human resources, sourcing and in its virtual nursing initiative. Jefferson’s telemedicine program, JeffConnect, showcases the effective use of mobile health and remote patient monitoring, and has served as a model for other healthcare systems.
Brenton Burns, executive vice president of UPMC Enterprises, points out that Pittsburgh-based UPMC is targeting increased access to care and efficiencies through automation in various departments, including call centres and scheduling. He emphasises that digital tools have enabled the healthcare provider to extend beyond traditional settings, offering care through diverse channels such as telemedicine and home visits. Accessible and interoperable data, he insists, are vital to success.
Cincinnati-based Bon Secours Mercy Health is also increasing its digital capacity, while concurrently assisting other health systems through its digital health subsidiary, Accrete Health Partners. Jason Szczuka, the organisation’s chief digital officer, describes how they are developing, investing, and partnering with industry leaders to optimise IT operations, improve patient access to care and unlock crucial data, analytics, and automation capabilities.
New Orleans-based Ochsner Health plans to expand its asynchronous virtual tools such as e-visits and e-consults, enhance its online scheduling system, and bolster its AI and remote monitoring capabilities, explains Denise Basow, MD, executive vice president and chief digital officer. The organisation is utilising technology to predict and prevent health issues, deliver personalised care, manage patients efficiently, and reduce total healthcare costs.
Orlando Health, in Florida, is investing in its foundational IT platforms, infrastructure, data, and analytics to enhance the connection between providers and patients, regardless of their geographical location. Novlet Mattis, the organisation’s senior vice president and chief digital and information officer, reveals plans for an enterprise digital platform infused with clinical decision support tools. She envisions digital health as a standard element of health and wellness management in five years, rather than a novel innovation.
Kelly Jo Golson, executive vice president and chief brand, communications and consumer experience officer at Charlotte, N.C.-based Advocate Health, affirms that their recent merger with Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health has enabled an acceleration in digital transformation. For Advocate Health, consumer-centricity is paramount. The strategy includes a flexible, dynamic platform that provides consistent experiences, simple scheduling, interconnected programs for remote patient monitoring, and the incorporation of 24-7 virtual access into clinical workflows.
Ardent Health Services, based in Nashville, Tenn., is endeavouring to make care easier to access, whether in-person or digital. The chief consumer officer, Reed Smith, predicts that in the future, digital health will be synonymous with healthcare, without any segregation in delivery methods. He anticipates that consumers will have more control, and healthcare providers will be able to offer more support, especially for less critical needs, as care delivery adapts to accommodate more individual, do-it-yourself approaches.
Read MoreUnlocking the potential of digital health in Sub-Saharan Africa
A new report titled “Leveraging Digital Health in Primary Health Care: Current Status and Future Possibilities in Sub-Saharan Africa” has been released by the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) at Imperial College London. The study, conducted in partnership with Imperial’s Global Digital Health Unit and the African Forum for Primary Health Care (AfroPHC), examines the usage and impact of digital health technology in Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing persisting healthcare challenges and highlighting areas of opportunity.
The report presents several key findings. The rising accessibility of mobile phones in Sub-Saharan Africa has led to a surge in mobile health (mHealth) applications. These apps have become instrumental in delivering health services and information, and facilitating remote consultations. Remarkable strides in infrastructure, such as increased internet access – from 53% to 81% over the past five years – have played a crucial role in this expansion.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has seen a considerable rise in adoption across Sub-Saharan Africa. Experts agree on its long-term utility in primary care, pointing to a blend of telemedicine and in-person consultations – a trend termed “hybrid medicine.”
Electronic health records (EHRs), critical for enhancing care continuity and efficiency, are also gradually gaining traction. Despite these advancements, their widespread application remains limited in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Niki O’Brien, lead author of the report, praised the extensive application of digital technology in African healthcare. She acknowledged the hurdles and prospects for broader implementation to benefit patients, providers, and health systems.
Nevertheless, there are substantial challenges in integrating digital technologies into healthcare service delivery. Barriers such as lack of healthcare professionals, limited infrastructure, and geographic hindrances still exist. Also, gaining widespread acceptance for digital health services remains a challenge due to disparities in socioeconomic status and literacy rates across the region.
Limited resources for service transformation, high costs of digital systems implementation, and inadequate funding are other significant obstacles. Many institutions operate using outdated technologies, leading to quality of care and data security concerns.
The report suggests that despite these challenges, the swift advancement in digital health can help overcome these barriers and transform healthcare delivery across the region. Recommendations have been put forward for various stakeholders, including government leaders, healthcare providers, NGOs, research funders, and the industry, to create a strategic and equitable digital health ecosystem.
Ultimately, digital technology could be a powerful ally in delivering primary health care, enabling access to remote and marginalised populations, reducing costs, and improving the quality and safety of services. It opens up a considerable opportunity for countries within Sub-Saharan Africa and other low- and middle-income nations to shape the future of digital primary health care, fostering innovation and impact.
Read MoreHarnessing machine learning to predict obesity: A focus on the first 1000 days of life
The recent publication in the Scientific Reports Journal showcases a novel utilisation of machine learning (ML) to forecast obesity in adults by examining risk factors and monitoring body mass index (BMI) during the initial 1,000 days of life, spanning from two to four years old.
The rise in obesity rates in both children and adults worldwide is undeniable. Early onset obesity in children is indicative of potential adult obesity, cardiometabolic risks, and other childhood diseases.
Obesity, once entrenched, is challenging to manage and is often chronic. As a result, a preventative approach to obesity is becoming a research priority. Identifying individuals at an elevated risk of obesity in adulthood during their early years could significantly enhance these prevention efforts.
Known adjustable risk factors encompass a mother’s higher pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnancy weight gain, socioeconomic status, high neonatal weight, and local community variables such as crime rates and food availability. Despite this, the cumulative risk estimation of these factors remains underexplored.
Currently, there is a lack of initiatives aimed at estimating childhood obesity, particularly those considering prenatal and neonatal risk factors. This is despite studies highlighting that the period between two to four years of age provides a valuable window for intervention due to heightened developmental flexibility and the ability to influence health behaviours.
The study in question employs ML algorithms to pinpoint children with a higher risk of obesity, providing vital data for the creation of prevention policies and strategies. Additionally, the researchers introduced a dynamic BMI tracker for use throughout childhood to help identify obesity risks in adulthood.
The researchers utilised a machine learning technique known as least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. This allowed them to maintain features that most significantly and relevantly relate to paediatric obesity, outside of height, weight, and body mass index.
The study examined data from 149,625 visits by 19,724 individuals aged up to 48 months, with an analysis of 10,348 individuals specifically aged between 30.0 and 48.0 months. Following data correction, the supplementation of missing values, and variable normalisation, 50 variables were chosen for consideration. After application of LASSO regression and subsequent tests, a final 19 variables were scrutinised.
The proposed model comprised variables such as mean height, BMI, weight at various intervals within the first two years, time differences between visits, and percentile ranks for weight and height at two years.
The predictive ability of the model was tested with a validation dataset comprising 20% of the patients. It showed an impressive accuracy in estimating childhood BMI, with a mean error of 1.0 across all three age ranges (30.0 to 36.0 months, 36.0 to 42.0 months, and 42.0 to 48.0 months).
Most variables in the model showed a significant association with paediatric BMI across all estimated ranges. These findings suggest that this predictive model could bolster both clinical and population-wide obesity prevention efforts in the earliest days of life.
Risk factors associated with higher childhood BMI identified in the study included maternal risks during pregnancy, C-section delivery, higher infant birth weight, and sleep disturbances in infants requiring assistance to sleep.
Interestingly, living in a food desert and having Hispanic ethnicity were factors that appeared protective against high BMI.
In summary, this study highlights that machine learning can help track paediatric BMI trajectories and identify modifiable risk factors during early childhood. This supports efforts to intervene before the onset of unhealthy weight gain, aiming to alleviate the health burden of obesity.
Factors such as maternal health, a child’s sleep quality, and socioeconomic influences can shape the weight trajectories of children into later
Read MoreSaudi Arabia’s healthcare industry embraces major digital overhaul
Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of the digital revolution in the wellness industry, propelling improvements in patient care, overall experience, and sustainable health development to match international standards.
The Kingdom’s strategic focus is to reorganise its healthcare sector, augmenting its potential to operate as a cohesive, value-driven ecosystem centred around patient health.
To accomplish these lofty objectives, Saudi Arabia is dedicated to substantial investments in the health technology industry. Reflecting the government’s commitment to this initiative, the 2023 budget allocates more than SR180 billion ($50.3 billion) to healthcare and social development.
A significant portion of this budget is channelled towards digital health strategies to promote accessibility, efficiency, and transparency within the healthcare system.
One such initiative is the establishment of a national electronic health record system, serving as a comprehensive database for patient data. This ensures nationwide access for medical professionals, facilitating smooth collaboration and expedited decision-making.
The Kingdom is also prioritising investments in telemedicine platforms to guarantee healthcare access even in isolated regions.
Under its Vision 2030 plan, the government is also aiming to privatise the healthcare industry, focusing its efforts on 290 government hospitals and 2,300 primary health centres within the Kingdom.
In a conversation with Arab News, Jalil Allabadi, CEO of Amman-based digital health platform Altibbi, clarified that the government’s initiatives to decentralise would significantly improve the sector and boost healthcare technology.
Allabadi shared that larger institutions and corporations are developing their health tech solutions, while smaller companies are focusing on the consumer end.
He emphasised that as hospitals and clinical centres move towards decentralisation, they will concentrate on profit generation. This shift will motivate the adoption of healthcare technology for automation and digitisation of their operations, enhancing efficiency.
Altibbi, one of the largest digital health platforms in the Middle East, has raised over $52.4 million in funding since its launch.
In line with the Kingdom’s focus on preventive health services and reducing reliance on hospital care, the aim is to digitise 70 percent of patient activities by 2030.
According to Allabadi, digital health consultations and activities are still in the early stages compared to the Vision 2030’s targets, but growth is “happening very fast.”
Startups are invigorating the health tech sector by integrating digital tools such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and big data analytics into healthcare services for more effective prediction, prevention, and disease management.
Saudi Arabia’s health tech sector offers a blueprint for a future where digital health solutions are integral to comprehensive and patient-focused care. This groundbreaking transformation represents not only an investment in the health of its citizens but also a stimulus for economic diversification and sustainable development.
Chronic diseases, prevalent among the elderly, are a significant concern. A report by the Saudi government estimates that by 2050, 25 percent of its projected 40 million population will be 60 or older, necessitating an overhaul in healthcare delivery.
In conversation with Arab News, Sacha Haider, a partner at the UAE-based venture capital firm Global Ventures, explains that the next evolution in Saudi health tech focuses on preventive healthcare and longevity.
Haider elaborates that regular consultations and check-ins will significantly energise health tech and digital health in the Kingdom.
In the post-COVID-19 era, the industry has embraced digital technologies to enhance patient experiences and improve care quality. Saudi-based platforms like Nala and Cura are leading examples of successful digital health services companies, offering a range of services from instant consultations to tailored digital care programs.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has introduced apps like Mawid, Tabaud, and Seha, which offer virtual consultations, effectively reducing the need for in-person hospital visits.
The advent of express clinics within pharmacies, providing immediate primary care services, is another trend gaining traction. These clinics offer services ranging from consultation, blood glucose and blood pressure measurements, skincare analysis, weight management, and vaccination.
Global data firm Statista projects the digital health market in Saudi Arabia to grow by 9.06 percent from 2023 to 2027, culminating in a market volume of $1.16 billion.
Read MoreAI shows potential as a beneficial aid in mental health treatment, UIC study indicates
A recent pilot study by researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) brings forth promising insights into the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mental health treatment. The study demonstrates encouraging correlations between the use of an AI voice assistant named Lumen and improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients, along with noticeable changes in their brain activity.
The UIC study brings hope for the inclusion of virtual therapy in addressing the existing gaps in mental health care. The limited availability of mental health professionals and unequal access to mental health services, particularly among vulnerable communities, often impede proper treatment. The application of AI could potentially circumvent these obstacles.
Dr. Olusola A. Ajilore, UIC Professor of Psychiatry and a co-author of the study, noted the urgent necessity for innovative treatment methods, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19, which resulted in a surge of anxiety and depression cases. He remarked, “This technology could serve as a bridge. It isn’t meant to supersede traditional therapy, but it could be a vital intermediary measure before someone seeks treatment.”
Lumen, which functions as a skill within the Amazon Alexa application, is the brainchild of Dr. Ajilore, Dr. Jun Ma, the senior author of the study, and their colleagues from Washington University in St. Louis and Pennsylvania State University. The National Institute of Mental Health provided a $2 million grant to support the development of Lumen.
The researchers enlisted over 60 patients for this clinical study, which focused on the effect of the application on mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study also looked at activity in brain areas that have been associated with the advantages of problem-solving therapy. Two-thirds of the participants engaged with Lumen through a study-provided iPad for eight problem-solving therapy sessions. The remaining participants served as a control group that did not receive any intervention.
Upon concluding the intervention, the participants who interacted with the Lumen app exhibited reduced scores for depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in comparison to the control group. Moreover, these participants demonstrated enhanced problem-solving skills and increased activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region related to cognitive control. The results showed particular promise among women and underrepresented populations.
Dr. Ma highlighted the significance of problem-solving therapy delivered through the Lumen app. He stated, “It’s about reshaping the way people perceive problems and their approach to solving them without being overwhelmed by emotions.”
A comprehensive trial comparing the efficacy of Lumen to a control group on a waitlist and patients receiving human-guided problem-solving therapy is presently underway. However, Dr. Ma emphasises that the aim of the virtual coach is not to outperform human therapists but to address the critical shortages in the mental health system.
He concluded, “Digital mental health services should be viewed as a means to bridge the gap between the supply and demand of mental health care. We need to identify innovative, effective, and safe ways to deliver treatments to individuals who might otherwise lack access, thereby filling this gap.”
Read MoreDigital Transformation in Healthcare: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change
As medical institutions hasten their journey towards digital modernisation, many fail to address crucial transformations in key areas such as personnel, technology, cultural ethos, and procedural workflows, necessary for the success of their digital initiatives, says Kathy Narain, Chief Digital Officer at Hoag Hospital based in Newport Beach, California.
According to a 2020 study conducted by Boston Consulting Group, a reputable management consulting firm, it is observed that victorious digital transitions are fairly uncommon. Across various industries, a mere 30% of digital transformation endeavours are reportedly successful.
Ms. Narain isn’t taken aback by this statistic. “The figures aligning with success rates don’t shock me. However, the remaining 70% face a multitude of obstacles that are challenging to conquer. When an institution decides to undergo digital metamorphosis, it’s not merely about constituting a team dedicated to digital assignments. To achieve triumph, it necessitates alterations in human resources, technological infrastructure, cultural mindset, and procedural methodologies,” she explained.
Although the hurdles of digital transformation may seem formidable, Ms. Narain believes the most significant obstacles stem from areas such as leadership, outdated systems, and economic repercussions. “In the absence of endorsement from the executive panel, who are instrumental in various organisational functionalities and a transparent blueprint on how technology can bolster outcomes and cater to the future requisites of customers, transformation initiatives falter,” she stated.
The financial aspect is a significant deterrent in the pursuit of digital transformation; healthcare systems may hesitate to invest in innovative technology due to its high cost. This reluctance becomes more conspicuous as the economy wavers and hospitals grapple with declining margins.
“Transformation is expensive and time-consuming, making the investment feel like an expenditure with a return that isn’t as immediate as expected,” Ms. Narain remarked. “The capacity to adhere to the plan while still maintaining financial support for the necessary modifications is challenging for numerous organisations.”
In the healthcare realm, many hospitals and health systems are still dependent on intricate legacy systems. Investing in digital transformation implies restructuring existing workflows or procedures, which can invite resistance and pose challenges.
“Efforts to consolidate, update, and centralise technological systems and data requires a multi-year investment ridden with bouts of exasperation,” said Ms. Narain. “The ability to navigate these hurdles, while retaining the executive team’s support as it means modifying the current processes, is crucial.”
Read MoreBT’s innovative drive to digitally transform UK healthcare
Leading telecommunications entity BT aims to leverage its established presence and specialised connectivity know-how to vitalize the digital infrastructure of the UK healthcare system, and is amplifying its healthcare portfolio to meet this goal.
The corporation has spent the last two years fostering its healthcare division, instituting a clinical advisory board to guide the creation of products tailored for the NHS needs. It also initiated its Vanguard Programme, envisioned as an interactive platform that enables healthcare professionals on the frontline to test and assess technology to guarantee its compatibility with local necessities.
“Our objective is to capitalise on opportunities that complement BT’s core business of connectivity,” Neal Herman, HealthTech Director at BT’s innovation centre, Etc., shared. “Our aim revolves around connecting individuals to the appropriate care at the right moment, and every endeavour we undertake contributes towards achieving that.”
An independent unit of Etc. is testing the implementation of drone technology for medicine deliveries over BT networks, and according to Herman, drones might also be incorporated into future healthcare solutions.
Herman detailed that BT’s vision incorporates three major themes: health navigation that aids in shaping patient interactions with the healthcare system; patient flow that enables hospitals and healthcare providers to streamline patient movement within the system; and remote care.
He depicted the first category as a future where “the healthcare professional contacts you, instead of the other way around.” Health navigation is fundamentally a guiding tool that enhances digital platforms and interactive voice response (IVR) technology. Commencing at general practice, the initial point of patient access, these solutions ensure that individuals reach the suitable healthcare provider from the outset, whether it be an immediate referral to a specialist or a physiotherapy session.
Patient flow, as Herman explained, becomes effective once patients arrive at the hospital, facilitating efficient management of patient capacity by nursing staff and site managers. “It’s about offering site managers real-time data flow to track the availability of beds,” Herman noted. These solutions are presently active in northeast Essex.
The remote component of the process incorporates products that vary from wearable technology to virtual ward monitoring platforms and is currently being piloted in Warrington for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension.
Recently, BT unveiled a virtual ward initiative that will integrate smart monitoring devices and collaborations with other service providers to link artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled virtual care platforms. This will facilitate real-time health data capture and evaluation of patient conditions in care homes, community nursing, and virtual wards.
“BT excels at implementing technology on a grand scale and we possess a significant privilege to contribute,” said Professor Sultan Mahmud, BT’s Healthcare Business Director.
Having previously served as the chief innovation, integration, and research officer at Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust (RWT), Mahmud joined BT in 2021. He added, “BT is adept at bridging the translational gap. This is fundamentally about achieving technical interoperability and interoperation.” A crucial objective of interoperability, he emphasised, is to ensure that technology procurement avoids “closed systems or vendor lock-in.”
Mahmud further pointed out that the company’s strategy is reflective of its commitment to assist the NHS in addressing staffing shortages and managing waiting lists. Employed effectively, remote technology can function as a tool for staff retention and aid in easing the demand for hospital beds.
Read MoreTelehealth equally effective for weight loss as in-person programmes amid pandemic, study shows
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a notable shift in the weight loss programmes, from conventional face-to-face interactions to telehealth interventions. A recent study published in Obesity revealed that weight loss results via telehealth for adults suffering from obesity were comparably effective to those from traditional face-to-face programmes.
Dr. Katherine M. Ross, an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Florida, emphasises the significance of the study. She asserts that traditional behavioural interventions can be effectively implemented through telehealth or video conferencing technologies, enabling individuals to achieve meaningful health outcomes even amid pandemic-induced disruptions.
In their study, Ross and her team sought to compare the weight loss results achieved during the pandemic’s forced transition to virtual weight loss programmes with those from traditional in-person interventions.
The research team analysed data from 147 adults with obesity who had previously participated in a randomised controlled trial, following a 16-week Diabetes Prevention Programme lifestyle intervention. The participants were divided into two groups: the first attended in-person sessions until they transitioned to a virtual platform in the 11th week, and the second group participated entirely through video conference.
An impressive 70% of the participants shed 5% or more of their starting weight, with 26.3% losing 10% or more. After 16 weeks, participants had lost an average of 7.37 kg from their initial weight, representing a reduction of 7.2% of weight from the baseline, which fell within the acceptable range indicating its equivalence with in-person interventions.
Besides aiding successful weight loss, the telehealth programme also provided valuable flexibility. This included individual problem-solving, goal setting, and regular discussions on barriers, aiding participants in navigating the unique challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Ross, these findings suggest that telehealth interventions can be successful, and that sustainable changes in eating and exercise habits can be accomplished despite the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.
Looking to the future, Ross suggested that subsequent research should strive to incorporate a more diverse set of participants. She highlighted that their study mostly included females and non-Hispanic white participants from relatively high income and education backgrounds. It would be critical to assess whether telehealth benefits are evenly distributed across different population groups, particularly those disproportionately affected by obesity and the pandemic, such as Black and Hispanic adults and adults from lower-income households.
Read MoreUC San Diego health trial suggests promising role of ChatGPT in easing physician workloads
A recent study conducted by UC San Diego Health suggests that ChatGPT, a powerful AI model, may offer more empathetic responses to patients’ queries. This finding has spurred the launch of a pilot program wherein Epic and Microsoft’s generative AI technology autonomously generate responses to messages.
Dr. Christopher Longhurst, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Digital Officer at UC San Diego Health, expressed enthusiasm about the pilot programme after discussing the study results with one of Epic’s leaders. “Given our preliminary experience with ChatGPT, we decided to participate in the pilot,” he said.
The pilot program, initiated by UC San Diego Health, UW Health based in Madison, Wisconsin, and Stanford Health Care located in Palo Alto, California, marks the first instance of health systems using AI, courtesy of Microsoft and Epic, to aid physicians in addressing patients’ questions on online portals.
This nascent project is designed to alleviate the burden of documentation on physicians. Dr. Longhurst expressed concern over the increasing volume of messages doctors have to manage nationwide, underscoring the pressing need to address this issue. Excessive EHR documentation, a factor contributing to physician burnout, is reported by 57% of providers. However, generative AI and ChatGPT are indicating potential to ease this problem. “Our existing research already affirms that ChatGPT can be beneficial,” said Dr. Longhurst. “The recent integration of this AI into our clinical workflow and electronic health record system is noteworthy.”
However, while the AI’s integration is encouraging, Dr. Longhurst added that it would be deployed cautiously with clinicians reviewing all AI-generated responses before they are relayed to patients. “In the pilot, ChatGPT drafts a response to a patient’s query, which a doctor can choose to use as a starting point, modify, or opt to craft their own response,” explained Dr. Longhurst. “Every auto-generated message is accompanied by a disclaimer stating that the message was created in a secure environment and was reviewed and edited by the patient’s care team.”
Given the apprehension patients may harbour towards AI, Dr. Longhurst emphasised the importance of transparency in AI usage by UC San Diego Health. He said, “While the technology holds potential for various applications, we plan to study and pilot each application thoughtfully to ensure that it is beneficial and does not inadvertently cause harm.”
The UC San Diego Health team is scrutinising the AI for potential bias and the risk of exacerbating health inequities. They are also gathering data to determine if the tool enhances clinicians’ efficiency and if patients find ChatGPT’s responses useful. While preliminary feedback from physicians and patients has been favourable, Dr. Longhurst stated that an additional two to three months would be necessary to evaluate whether the tool truly delivers on its promises.
Read MoreThe Healthcare Industry Goes Digital: The Impact of AI and Digital Health
The healthcare industry has undergone significant changes over the past century, with the proliferation of smartphones and digital media revolutionising the way patients access medical information. In recent years, applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have further transformed the industry, enhancing the consumer experience, healthcare delivery, and healthcare in general.
The traditional doctor-patient connection is being replaced by a wave of digital health technologies, including telehealth services, AI, and ML. These advancements are reshaping an entirely new ecosystem for technology-driven global healthcare. The Indian digital healthcare industry, for example, was worth INR 524.97 Bn in 2021, and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 28.50%, or INR 2528.69 Bn by 2027, according to the research “Digital Healthcare Market in India 2022-2027.”
AI and digital health are rapidly transforming the global healthcare industry in several ways, including:
Improved diagnosis and treatment: By evaluating patient data including medical histories, test findings, and imaging scans, AI-powered systems can assist doctors in arriving at more accurate diagnoses and creating more effective treatment regimens. Additionally, the AI program can recognize trends and forecast which treatments will be more efficient and appropriate for patients, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Remote patient monitoring: Digital health technology allows medical professionals to monitor their patients’ vital signs and health status remotely, lowering the risk of readmission to the hospital. Moreover, it broadens opportunities for pharmaceutical marketers to promote prescription drugs online.
Personalised medicine: AI algorithms can analyse a patient’s genetic and clinical data to create personalised treatment plans that take into account individual responses to medications and other treatments. The availability of AI-collected patient data can significantly enhance personalised diagnosis and outcomes.
Drug discovery: AI can accelerate drug discovery by analysing vast amounts of data to identify potential drug targets and predict how various compounds will interact with the human body. The Global Artificial Intelligence for Drug Discovery Market is expected to reach around US$ 8,149 Mn by 2026 and register a CAGR of above 42% over the forecast period 2019 to 2026 as the technology holds great potential.
Healthcare operations and management: By automating administrative processes, lowering expenses, and enhancing patient access to care, digital health technology can enhance healthcare operations. The adoption of AI and ML technologies offers significant potential for automating administrative tasks and lowering operating costs as a whole.
Overall, AI and digital health are improving patient outcomes, cost, and efficiency, rapidly changing the global healthcare sector. Moreover, the recent introduction of ChatGPT has generated buzz in the industry because it allows medical professionals to provide quicker, more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, improving patient outcomes. It also enables medical professionals to access patient data easily, allowing the creation of customised treatment plans and the delivery of better medical services.
Read MoreMaking care smarter using predictive analytics
As more elderly and disabled individuals aim to live independently, monitoring apps designed for frail adults have become increasingly popular. These apps can also help family and caregivers distinguish between short-term problems and long-term declines. Falls, in particular, can be costly. The UK’s NHS estimates that unaddressed fall hazards in the home cost around £435 million per year, with fragility fractures costing £4.4 billion per year. Entrepreneurs have responded to the need for these apps by creating systems that can collect information for a better understanding of the individual’s daily functioning and factors that might be affecting it.
MySense, a predictive wellbeing analytics company, is one of these entrepreneurs. The founder and CEO, Lucie Glenday, created MySense after her sister was diagnosed with a rare form of motor neurone disease and died at age 23. She struggled to understand her sister’s symptoms and wanted to help others with complex needs. MySense uses eight devices, the majority of which are passive sensors, that pick up signs of daily activities. This data is then analysed to create a personalised digital portrait of what normal looks like for each person. The company’s sensors pick up on context around activity rather than the activity itself. MySense has been adopted by several NHS hospitals, including South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust, Leicestershire County Council, and Care Hub. The technology has reduced unplanned hospital admissions by 50% and moved 25% of people out of pathways for patients with fewer than 1,000 days to live.
Digital Social Care has created the Adult Social Care Technology Fund, which will provide funding for technology that increases care quality and safety, reduces avoidable hospital admissions, and increases support for independent living. AVERio, another initiative focused on falls prevention, has created non-intrusive sensors that detect falls using 4D radar technology to scan a room constantly. EIT Health, a European Union initiative, has also created a monitoring device, FFalls Predictor, which aims to provide early detection and prevention of falls.
Read More