Health systems everywhere face immense pressure to meet rising patient care demands. Factors such as population growth and a global clinician shortage are contributing to longer than usual wait times in emergency rooms (ER). While hospitals strive to provide high-quality care and balance resources, patients seek timely and effective health-system experiences. A key question is whether technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can ease these challenges.
Presenting 'Brando', a robotic dog able to express emotion with the use of a robotic tail and ears (social robotics is one of many different health-care research areas where artificial intelligence can ultimately play a supportive role in patient care, including outside of a hospital setting). Ontario Tech University researcher Dr. Winnie Sun of the Faculty of Health Sciences (top right) and graduate student Marco Martinez discuss advances in social robotics and virtual reality reminiscence therapy at the Ontario Tech/Lakeridge Health PATH Research Connection Day (Software and Informatics Research Centre, December 3, 2024).
To explore the applications of AI in health care, Ontario Tech University and Lakeridge Health recently formed the Partnership for Advanced Technology in Health Care (PATH). The strategic alliance intends to improve patient outcomes, enhance access and satisfaction, and ensure the long-term sustainability of health-care services.
One of the first PATH outcomes was a Research Connection Day on December 3, where more than a dozen leading Ontario Tech researchers presented their AI research capabilities for a large group of Lakeridge Health clinicians, in condensed, seven-minute in-person capsules.
Active areas of AI tool exploration presented during Research Connection Day:
- Virtual reality training and machine learning via haptics (touch-based technologies): neurophysiology of musculoskeletal treatments involving areas such as electroencephalogram markers; 3D puzzle simulation.
- Transforming concussion rehabilitation through AI: wearable technologies and algorithm personalization to prevent concussions, eliminate causes, improve patient outcomes and reduce costs to the health-care system.
- Respiratory therapy in extreme weather conditions (tests conducted in the climatic chambers of the Ontario Tech ACE Core Research Facility): AI platforms (such as Etiometry) can continuously update patient-risk algorithms to provide early warning signs of respiratory deterioration.
- Virtual reality reminiscence therapy in dementia care: Multisensory treatments, cognitive stimulation games; social robotics and conversational AI avatars such as companion robotic dogs to combat patient social isolation, or serve as guides for those with visual impairments.
- Mathematical models and machine learning (applications such as ambulance fleet management): to predict service demands and potential shortages, inform staffing decisions, and lessen wait times.
- Immersive simulation technologies (medical training and education): Serious' (video) games for mixed realities that replicate human factors and environmental conditions such as surgery simulations.
- AI-empowered vocal biomarkers (Type 2 diabetes diagnosis based on the analysis of a person's voice): With accuracies currently greater than 85 per cent, these technologies offer potential major cost savings to the health-care system. Ontario Tech and Lakeridge Health have also partnered on a project to help diagnose potential sepsis through vocal biomarkers.
- AI-driven workflows: Database software; large language models (e.g. text, images, speech reproduction) to improve business processes.
- Applied machine learning in health care: Heartbeat analysis to examine meaning of sounds, detect anomalies, allowing health-care personnel to serve individuals based on condition urgency, in some cases up to 15 times faster.
- AI and neuroscience tool (study on delirium, a serious and rapid change in mental abilities or lack of awareness, in children through electroencephalograms (EEG)). High-efficiency 64 channel EEG recordings offer better observations than traditional behaviour-based subjective diagnostic tools.
- Automated administrative tools: using programs such as AI Scribe to input patient data and manage reports (speech-to-text, dictation software for effective documentation directly into a patient's medical record). These can alleviate clinician burnout and give physicians 70 per cent more time to provide cognitive attention to patients. Accuracy of documents are later verified and double checked by clinicians. Patients must consent to use of such automated tools before they can be used.
- Tissue-level biomechanics (for low-back pain): computational modelling for spinal surgery to increase chances of recovery.
Ontario Tech will host Lakeridge Health clinicians again during the winter, for a series of in-lab visits where expertise can be shared and demonstrated in a hands-on environment In January, the two organizations will collaborate on a week-long event that invites student engagement, under the guidance of clinical experts and mentors.
Related video link
- A PATH Forward: Lakeridge Health and Ontario Tech to transform health care delivery in Durham Region
Quotes
"PATH's first Research Connection Day was a huge step forward on our collaborative road to help inform clinician decision-making through the responsible and ethical use of digital health tools like AI. By exploring opportunities for collaboration through PATH, Ontario Tech researchers can partner with Lakeridge Health clinicians while also laying the groundwork for future industry engagement."
-Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech University
"Through PATH, we are exploring how innovative tools like artificial intelligence can support clinicians in delivering exceptional care while addressing the operational challenges health systems are faced with today. The Research Connection Day provided a valuable opportunity to understand the expertise of Ontario Tech researchers, and it's exciting to see how their capabilities align with our specific needs and priorities at Lakeridge Health."
-Dr. Ilan Lenga, Chief Information Officer, Lakeridge Health
