AI IDs patients in need of palliative care

Scientists at Stanford University have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm capable of predicting when patients will die with a goal of improving access to palliative care.

Trained using data from two million electronic health records, the AI system can predict patients who are most likely to die between three and 12 months. Researchers hope the algorithm would be used during a patient initial screening to identify those how could benefit from palliative care.

"The predictions from the model are only used to highlight some of the admitted patients for a chart review by (and automated referral to) the palliative care team," first author Anand Avati told CNBC. "The human doctor is always in the loop, and the decision of the program is only interpreted as a case worthy of palliative care consult—and not as a prediction of death.”

Read more here:

""
Cara Livernois, News Writer

Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.

Around the web

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.