AI Tool Can Identify Social Determinants Of Health In Dementia Patients

In the context of the healthcare industry's ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency through AI, a recent study unveils a novel application: the identification of non-medical factors that significantly affect patients' health and care outcomes. Specifically targeting dementia patients, the study harnesses rule-based natural language processing (NLP) techniques to discern various non-medical needs, including transportation, food accessibility, social isolation, financial constraints, and indicators of potential abuse. Remarkably, NLP surpasses the performance of deep learning and logistic regression in this regard. However, the study also reveals persistent challenges in identifying housing-related issues, assessing medication affordability, and recognizing medication intake patterns. Led by Elham Mahmoudi and Wenbo Wu, this research significantly advances our understanding of the pivotal role played by social determinants in the realm of healthcare. It underscores the potential for AI-driven solutions to contribute to a more holistic approach in addressing patients' comprehensive well-being beyond traditional medical considerations.