How artificial intelligence can help with predicting and managing chronic diseases
Chronic diseases are one of the major causes of death and disability around the world. Data from the WHO estimates that by 2025, 73% of all deaths will be a result of chronic conditions. In most cases, early detection and preventive care can help in managing such conditions. However, global healthcare systems are predominantly based on the “sick-care” model and are reactive in nature. There are limited chances for doctors to predict chronic care events.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can change all that. Thanks to wearable medical devices and the advanced processing capabilities of modern computers, doctors have access to more data than ever. Most chronic conditions show certain patterns before they become an issue. Artificial intelligence can proactively recognize those patterns and predict chronic care events without putting any additional pressure on the healthcare systems.
Chronic care events and the importance of predictive technology
Chronic conditions generally stem from a patient’s genetic disposition or environmental factors, which include lifestyle, diet, and exposure to certain substances. Most chronic conditions are also impossible to cure. The only chance that patients have at a regular life is by maintaining their symptoms through medications and procedures, which can be expensive and sometimes even dangerous.
Consider the example of diabetes. One of the best ways for a person with diabetes to ensure quality of life is through the regular intake of insulin, which is extremely expensive in the United States. If there was a way to predict the likelihood of diabetes by analyzing the genetic disposition and lifestyle of the patients, doctors could recommend lifestyle changes and precautionary measures to control the disease without any artificial measures.
Fortunately, modern AI and machine learning models can do that and more. Let’s look at the four most common chronic diseases and discuss how AI can help predict chronic care events and improve patients’ overall life quality.
Four chronic conditions that AI can help predict, detect, and manage
1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is the third most deadly condition with a high readmission rate globally. Managing COPD patients and dealing with regular exacerbations places a considerable burden on the healthcare systems. Regular visits to the ER also negatively affect patients’ life-quality and mental health.
Oxitone’s continuous monitoring system that uses AI and wearable tech can decrease that load on doctors by predicting chronic care events due to COPD. These wearable devices continuously track a patient’s blood oxygen levels, respiratory performance, sleep patterns, and other essential parameters. Time is of the essence in COPD cases, and even a few minutes can make all the difference between life and death. The instant access to data and automatic alert feature alerts medical workers immediately and ensures access to timely care at all times.
2. Cardiovascular issues
Doctors and healthcare workers often deal with chronic care events stemming from cardiovascular issues. Unlike many other chronic diseases, most heart conditions can be treated with surgeries, transplants, and other interventions. However, managing them is quite expensive and puts several limitations on the patient’s activities.
Most heart conditions show patterns in their initial stages, where they can be easily managed with little or no intervention. However, detecting those patterns in periodic testing is challenging for medical workers. AI and wearable devices can monitor parameters commonly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Continuous monitoring can automatically detect anomalies and alert medical workers, who can investigate further.
3. Stress and related conditions
Whether it’s work, family, or any other reason, stress can cause or escalate chronic conditions. Many wearable devices monitor sleep patterns and other parameters that are directly affected by stress. Identifying the sources of stress and eliminating them in the early stages can lead to a healthier life, with a lessened likelihood of stress-induced diseases down the road.
4. Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases are one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in the United States. Data estimates that autoimmune-related conditions affect millions of Americans every year and a significant percentage of them lose their lives.
Artificial intelligence can play a crucial role in predicting chronic care events due to autoimmune diseases. For instance, consider the example of the latest study on multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers used machine learning and data sciences to predict the likelihood of MS eight months before the disease was diagnosed.
How Oxitone leverages AI to help patients, providers, and healthcare workers
At Oxitone, we understand how crucial AI is for healthcare applications. Our integrated SaaS platform, medical wearable devices, and medical intelligence services allow healthcare workers to ensure better and more effective care for chronic patients without burdening themselves. Health providers benefit from the low-cost follow-ups, reduction in associated healthcare costs, and the ability to access advanced predictive data. Chronic patients can also live independent lives with the peace of mind that care is only a single click away whenever they need it. Overall, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Are you interested in learning more about Oxitone’s commitment to saving lives and improving the existing healthcare system? Check out our exceptional services.
Here at Oxitone, we boost value-based healthcare by delivering extraordinary patient, clinical, and economical outcomes at reduced medical utilization and cost. Patients need a prompt response to emergencies. Physicians need an easy and timely follow-up with patients. Our mission is to transform chronic disease management and help save lives worldwide.
Let’s save lives together! To see how we help remote patient monitoring companies and physicians improve the management and care of high-risk patients, contact us today!