Artificial intelligence has been used in a breakthrough to transform diabetes care, in Bradford. They hope to use artificial intelligence technology to assist clinicians in designing patient specific treatment plans for people of South Asian descent at higher risk for diabetes complications.
An innovative artificial intelligence tool is being developed by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, with the University of York, to help tackle the diabetes epidemic in the Bradford and Craven district. The highest rate of diabetes in the UK across Yorkshire and the Humber is found in this region, with one of the highest rates in the country.
Tailoring Treatment with Artificial Intelligence
To do this, the artificial intelligence model analyzes patient data to identify those at risk of serious complications from type 2 diabetes including heart attacks or high blood pressure. Clinicians are then able to use the power of artificial intelligence behind the scenes to make important decisions about which treatment plan is right for each patient, be it a certain diet, exercise regime, or medication.
Artificial intelligence can deliver personalized and bespoke care, insists Prof Tom Lawton, head of clinical AI at Bradford Teaching Hospitals. However, he said, noting the potential for artificial intelligence to revolutionise lives, “The way to do that is to ensure that safety — physical safety and safety in terms of ethics — is looked at closely prior to introducing any AI, such as this, to patients.”
Addressing Health Disparities with AI
The researchers believe this artificial intelligence tool could deliver big positive results, and at least for South Asian patients. Research by the British Heart Foundation found that people of South Asian heritage have an almost two fold increased risk of diabetes at every age, regardless of risk factors.
These health disparities are accounted for in the AI model, which endeavors to deliver early diagnosis and treatment, which are essential to improve outcomes for South Asian patients with diabetes. But by applying AI to the task, clinicians can begin to close that gap in diabetes care and ensure that all patients receive the tailored treatment they deserve.
The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
AI has a rapidly increasing role in healthcare, with the ability to revolutionize patient care, and improve the health outcome. However, according to Prof Lawton, there are safety and ethical issues that need to be weighed before allowing artificial intelligence into clinical practice.
These comments are all the more worthy given that researchers continue to refine and develop artificial intelligence tools for things like diabetes care and other medical applications, and it’s important to make sure these technologies are rigorously tested and validated. Through collaborative efforts on both healthcare, academia, and technology sectors we can leverage artificial intelligence to transform patient care; all while keeping safety and an ethic(s) of care as a critical priority.
A Beacon of Hope for Diabetes Patients
For the 6000 plus diabetes patients in Bradford and beyond this tool means hope. AI would allow clinicians to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient, taking advantage of the patient’s unique needs and risk factors for diabetes, and potentially drastically improve health outcomes and quality of life for people living with diabetes.
With the diabetes epidemic only getting worse both in the UK and globally, the call for new solutions to improve patient care is greater than ever before. With the aid of artificial intelligence, researchers and clinicians in Bradford are carving the next path in improving diabetes care, with the key to a brighter, healthier future for patients all over the world.
