This Week in Digital Health: Epic's AI Tool, FDA AI Challenge & More
Epic releases open-source AI validation tool for health systems
Epic Systems launched its first open-source AI validation tool, designed to enable healthcare organizations to test and monitor artificial intelligence models within their electronic health record (EHR) systems. Available for free on GitHub, this tool, named the "AI trust and assurance software suite," allows for the integration of AI models developed both by Epic and other entities. The suite automates data collection and mapping, providing real-time metrics and analysis aimed at standardizing the validation process and enhancing model reliability across healthcare settings.
The tool is part of Epic's broader efforts to support responsible AI use in healthcare, enabling local validation and ongoing monitoring of AI systems. It supports a variety of clinical uses, including predictive AI but not generative AI models, with plans for future expansion. Epic’s initiative has been embraced by the Health AI Partnership, which includes major health systems like Duke Health and Mayo Clinic, to pilot the tool for localized AI model validation. This move aligns with Epic's commitment to advancing global health through innovative technology, emphasizing fair and equitable AI application across diverse patient demographics. Read more.
FDA’s call for innovation: AI-driven solutions for Parkinson’s freezing of gait detection and prediction
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is increasingly focusing on the potential of digital health technologies to monitor health conditions outside the clinical setting, specifically targeting Parkinson’s disease. Various wearable technologies have been approved, including Apple's Motor Fluctuations Monitor and H2O Therapeutics’ Parky app, which utilize devices like the Apple Watch to track symptoms such as resting tremors and dyskinesia. These developments are part of a broader growth in the neurological device market, which is expected to expand from $12.5 billion in 2023 to $20.9 billion by 2033, driven by demand for advanced diagnostic and monitoring technologies.
In an effort to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) for Parkinson's disease, particularly in detecting and predicting freezing of gait, the FDA has launched a challenge for developers, innovators, and researchers to submit their AI models by August 2, 2024. Participants can use public data sources or their own data, after which the FDA will evaluate the top-performing models against its own specialized data. This initiative, led by the FDA’s Digital Health Center of Excellence and other related offices, aims to establish best practices for developing and validating AI-driven measures from wearable devices and smartphones, enhancing patient care through technology. Read more.
By outfitting police with telehealth iPads, mental health program saves government $62M
In Oklahoma, a transformative mental health program has equipped police officers with telehealth iPads, enabling direct contact with mental health professionals from their vehicles, thereby significantly reducing the need for emergency room visits and hospitalizations for mental health crises. This initiative, part of a collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, has deployed telehealth technology to all Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics across the state. Funded by Oklahoma Senate Bill 7, the deployment of over 30,000 iPads has not only decreased hospitalizations by 93.1% but also saved the government $62 million.
The iPads are utilized by officers to make quick, effective decisions by allowing them to initiate real-time video evaluations of individuals experiencing mental health crises, thus avoiding unnecessary detentions or ER visits. This system, which Grand Mental Health helped develop, includes features like a simple touch button for instant connection to a therapist, significantly cutting down the time officers spend managing mental health episodes in the field. This successful model has expanded to include more counties and even provides iPads to clients for continuous access to mental health services, demonstrating a scalable solution that blends technology with critical healthcare needs. Read more.
What’s happening in Digital Health this week?
Grab your coffee (or tea, we like both too) and take a deep dive into what’s happening in our market this week.
Samsung seeks to expand Galaxy Ring healthcare ecosystems
Samsung Electronics recently held its first Samsung Health Partner Day event to strengthen its healthcare ecosystem. The event brought together over 200 industry officials to discuss collaborations that enhance digital healthcare solutions, with Samsung introducing a software development kit for Samsung Health and showcasing the Galaxy Ring, which is set to launch later this year. Read more.
Twin Health Unveils Digital Twin AI for Weight Loss with GLP-1 Elimination
Twin Health has expanded its digital twin AI platform to include a new Healthy Weight solution aimed at addressing obesity and weight loss without medication, leveraging AI and clinical care to help users achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This innovative program, available through employers and health plans, utilizes a digital twin AI model to personalize guidance on nutrition, activity, and stress management, supporting sustainable health improvements and reducing dependence on costly medications like GLP-1s. Read more.
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