Extreme heat can have devastating effects on vulnerable populations, especially those with underlying health conditions. In an effort to protect patients from the dangers of heat waves, a hospital in the Boston area is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for help.
When temperatures rise, emergency departments are inundated with people suffering from dehydration, kidney or heart problems, and heat-related illnesses. To address this issue, Mass General Brigham, a health care system serving 2.5 million patients in Massachusetts, is working on a new alert system powered by AI.
The goal of the AI program is to analyze electronic health records to identify patients who may be at higher risk during heat waves due to their health conditions or medications. By proactively alerting these individuals about the impending heat wave and providing personalized recommendations on how to stay safe, the hospital aims to prevent unnecessary emergency room visits.
According to Paul Biddinger, chief preparedness and continuity officer at Mass General Brigham, the combination of personalized information, real-time heat data, and actionable messages will empower patients to take necessary precautions and protect themselves from the heat. This initiative is part of a Sustainability Accelerator program run by IBM, which focuses on leveraging technology to address climate sustainability and resilience challenges.
Heat-related illnesses are a significant public health concern, with an estimated 2,300 deaths in the United States annually attributed to extreme heat. As climate change continues to drive up temperatures, the number of hospitalizations and health care costs related to heat-related illnesses are expected to rise.
In addition to the AI alert system, Mass General Brigham provides training for healthcare professionals on the impacts of climate change on patient health. For patients with complex medical conditions, the hospital assigns care managers to discuss the risks associated with extreme heat and provide support.
While the AI program is still in development, Biddinger envisions it having a chatbot function to allow patients to ask questions and access information when they receive an alert. The hospital plans to pilot the AI alert system over the next two years in collaboration with IBM, with the intention of sharing the technology with other healthcare facilities in the future.
Ultimately, the goal of this initiative is to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare providers during heat waves. By harnessing the power of AI, Mass General Brigham hopes to offer a valuable service to the community and support vulnerable patients in staying safe during extreme heat events.
