Artificial intelligence is changing the way we learn and work. But New Yorkers may not realize that similar algorithms are already aiding lifesaving decisions at hospitals every day.
Staff at three New York City hospital systems say that in mere seconds, artificial intelligence tools can gauge a patient’s odds of malnutrition, delirium, ICU admission and even death — well before a doctor even enters the hospital room.
Some AI programs take on administrative tasks, such as helping patients book appointments or request refills without the hassle of playing phone tag. Other systems can give tailored pregnancy advice or even identify signs of diseases like breast cancer.
They can’t perform physical exams – yet. But staff at three New York City hospital systems say these AI systems are helping prioritize specialists’ time, guide medical decision-making and even identify signs of breast cancer. Clinicians discussed these applications at a summit held in late May by the New York Academy of Sciences.
We’re able to identify patients who otherwise wouldn’t be spotted.
“We’re able to identify patients who otherwise wouldn’t be spotted,” Sara Wilson, senior director of clinical nutrition services at Mount Sinai Health System, said of one tool that flags patients at risk of malnutrition. “Your brain just can’t move as fast as this machine can and touch all the metrics that a machine can.”
This malnutrition tool is what’s known as a predictive model, and it doesn’t work all that differently from an experienced clinician. This type of AI scans through patients’ charts, paying special attention to factors that may predispose each individual to under-nourishment, like weight and bloodwork. If a patient’s risk factors pass a certain threshold, they get flagged for a follow-up visit with a registered dietitian.
The key advantage of AI tools, hospital staff explained, is…
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