New AI Smartphone Tool Accurately Diagnoses Ear Infections
In a groundbreaking study published in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh have unveiled a smartphone app powered by artificial intelligence (AI) capable of diagnosing ear infections, specifically acute otitis media (AOM), in young children with impressive accuracy. This innovative app, designed to assess a brief video of the eardrum taken with an otoscope attached to a smartphone, aims to mitigate the common issue of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions by ensuring accurate diagnoses. Alejandro Hoberman, M.D., the study’s senior author, highlights the frequent misdiagnosis of AOM, which can lead to either inadequate care or excessive antibiotic use, thus compromising antibiotic effectiveness. The AI tool was trained using a library of 1,151 videos of the tympanic membrane from pediatric outpatient visits, achieving sensitivity and specificity rates above 93%—outperforming many clinicians whose diagnostic accuracy varies widely. This app not only aids in precise diagnosis but also serves as an educational tool by allowing the storage and sharing of diagnostic videos, thereby enhancing patient understanding and healthcare provider training. Hoberman envisions this technology being adopted widely in healthcare settings to support accurate AOM diagnosis and informed treatment decisions.
New AI Smartphone Tool Accurately Diagnoses Ear Infections
(Shaikh, Conway, Kovačević)
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