0 
QHHL 
Technology is permeating every part of our lives these days. On our smartphones, we can order food, make friends and even set up dates. Our lives have been irrevocably changed by every technological advance, and that reality could soon be changing the medical system as well. Your smartphone could do more than just send messages and surf the internet. It could also detect threats to your health and call for help. To understand how your smartphone could do this, with the addition of some very smart programming, keep reading.
Artificial Intelligence and Health Tracking
A recent study in Copenhagen tested an artificial intelligence (AI) called Corti. This system was designed as a medical assistant and can recognize symptoms of a heart attack over the phone. The system uses voice recognition software as well as complex programming to analyze emergency calls. The people making these calls are usually panicked and unsure of what’s happening, which makes it difficult for dispatchers to accurately assess if the patient is having a heart attack or whether something else is happening. The trial was a resounding success, with the AI diagnosing 95% of heart attack cases accurately over the phone, whereas medical personnel only correctly diagnosed 73% of cases. This success opens up a whole new avenue for medical technology and as well as questions about the benefits and the possibilities for its use.
Taking the System Further
The potential of this type of system is astounding. If an AI can be used to more accurately assess patient’s needs, it could seriously cut down on mistakes, human error, and incorrect information. This could help ensure that the right type of help is contacted, perhaps by dispatching an emergency unit that specializes in heart attacks, or even better prepare first responders for what they might find. With a more accurate diagnosis, anyone with the patient could also be given the correct instructions on how to help, which could markedly increase the patient’s chance of survival. The system could also be designed to detect mistakes make by the reporting person, such as an incorrect address, and to make sure the ambulance arrives where it’s needed.
The Benefits of AI Health Systems
The benefits of this type of system are obvious in the emergency services, but the potential isn’t limited to official channels. If the system is perfected, it may be possible to carry it with you as an app on your phone. This means that no matter where you are or who you’re with, your phone may be able to send for help even if you can’t. And it shouldn’t be expensive either. Apps usually cost a few dollars, which means that everyone could have this type of health assessment tool in their houses, the same as they have band aids today. There really are few drawbacks to this type of system. It might cost governments and even hospitals a small amount of money in the beginning, as they alter their systems to allow for the new input, but in the long term it could save countless lives.
What this means for you
One day, this type of system may be accessible for everyone. Already we have apps that can help you record your physical symptoms and health assessment results, but one day soon your smartphone will move beyond that. It’s very possible that one day you’ll have a small attachment on your smart phone that can somehow detect whether your heart is beating or not, probably with some type of wireless sensors. And if there’s a problem, your phone will automatically send this information to the emergency service site. This is important because your chances of surviving any type of cardiac event is greatly increased with immediate attention. As an added bonus, the app could even be programmed to send CPR advice to your phone so that anyone nearby can help you until the professionals arrive. This advance truly could save a lot of lives and it could give people a lot of comfort knowing that they can get help when they need it.
For a health tracking system that works, try HomeLab, a health assessment app that will make you more aware of any threats to your personal health and wellbeing.
Tags: Personal health, health tracking, health assessment
