The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the pressing need for medical innovations to improve public health outcomes. Thankfully, rapid developments in artificial intelligence (AI) could anticipate the next contagion — or even just your next bout with the flu — before it becomes a problem.
As pharmacists, we’re always mindful of what tools and resources are on the horizon that might bolster the cutting-edge research and development taking place into the next generation of life changing pharmaceuticals and therapies. AI-powered medical technology, with its potential, is quickly gaining interest throughout our industry.
Imagine detecting the flu or other viruses days before symptoms show up and without the need for an invasive procedure like a cotton swab test or even a visit to the doctor. Predictive health monitoring could be a game changer in saving lives.
Enter the Rapid Analysis of Threat Exposure (RATE) algorithm. Developed by a partnership between Philips and the Department of Defense, RATE is poised to revolutionize the landscape of public health by leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence. The algorithm harnesses large-scale machine learning to act as an early warning system for the body. By analyzing biometric data, it can identify a host of health issues before diagnostic testing.
During years of field testing, researchers extracted data from more than 7 million hospital patient encounters, studying 165 different biomarkers. They found that the algorithm could be easily programmed into wearables such as a smartwatch or a ring. One of their studies showed that a wearable device with RATE could review vital signs to detect COVID-19 up to six days before testing.
This groundbreaking technology boasts endless uses for myriad industries. Consider RATE’s potential to support our brave service members. The algorithm can quickly assess troops’ health and readiness before deployment while preventing the spread of disease in the close quarters in which military personnel operate. Identifying which individuals might need to quarantine amid a viral infection would enhance military preparedness. RATE could well give the U.S. military a competitive advantage in terms of health and safety protocols.
Beyond the battlefield, RATE could advance public health in our everyday lives — whether it’s keeping emergency rooms at functional capacity during a pandemic or helping the uninsured access digital health without an expensive doctor’s visit.
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By combining the expertise from tested technology with the resources and strategic perspective of a government entity like the DoD, the RATE algorithm represents a model for effective synergy. Congressional action last year saw an additional $10 million invested to fund the next phase of RATE’s development. The goal is to make the technology more scalable and operational in the coming years.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill deserve praise for their funding of programs like RATE, but further investment in public-private partnerships needs more support. Additional funding for these types of programs will enable the widespread implementation, training, and continuous refinement of AI-powered medical technology. Perhaps no elected officials understand the potential benefits these programs can provide for our military like Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA). Both senators serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee and both senators are also members of the Senate Artificial Intelligence Caucus, which was formed in 2019.
With leaders like Sen. Ernst and Sen. Peters, we should be confident that these investments will remain a priority in Congress.
In an era marked by global health challenges, the demand for innovative solutions has never been starker. While we may not accurately predict the next pandemic, we can be prepared with the best tools to safeguard our public health and national security. Future generations are counting on our lawmakers to bolster medical breakthroughs in the private sector.
Brett Barker is a doctor of pharmacy in Nevada, Iowa.
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