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Artificial Intelligence Helps Detect Early COVID-19 Symptoms

A new digital platform, driven by artificial intelligence, continuously monitors individuals, which allows for the prediction of symptoms associated with COVID-19 before they show up.

Artificial Intelligence

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By Samantha McGrail

- The West Virginia Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) and WVU Medicine, along with Oura Health, are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to detect COVID-19 symptoms nearly three days before they show up, according to a recent press release.

The new digital platform uses the RNI app, the Oura Ring, AI, and 24/7 secure wearable devices to predict virus symptoms such as fever, coughing, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and others. 

The platform is 90 percent accurate, according to the organizations.

“The holistic and integrated neuroscience platform developed by the RNI continuously monitors the human operating system, which allows for the accurate prediction of the onset of viral infection symptoms associated with COVID-19,” Ali Rezai, MD, executive chair of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, said in the release. 

“We feel this platform will be integral to protecting our healthcare workers, first responders, and communities as we adjust to life in the COVID-19 era.”

One of the many challenges of COVID-19 is that individuals who are asymptomatic spread the virus without knowing it. 

WVU noted that the tool will allow experts to make critical decisions and contain the spread of the virus, re-open communities, strengthen the economy, and facilitate public health containment strategies. 

Patients are monitored holistically, as the platform integrates physiologic measures with psychological, cognitive, and behavioral biometrics.  Individuals can track stress, anxiety, memory, and other functions through the RNI’s mobile app.

Other physiological data including body temperature, heart rate, variability, resting heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep, activity patterns, and “readiness” is monitored through the Oura Ring.

“We are hopeful that Oura’s technology will advance how people identify and understand our body’s most nuanced physiological signals and warning signs, as they relate to infectious diseases like COVID-19,” said Harpreet Rai, CEO of Oura Health. 

“Partnering with the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute on this important study helps fulfill Oura’s vision of offering data for the public good and empowering individuals with the personal insights needed to lead healthier lives.” 

WVU said the first phase of the study was launched with Oura Health and is currently deployed in more than 600 healthcare professional and first responders.

Additional initiative partners include Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, and other institutions across West Virginia, New York City, and California. A total of nearly 10,000 participants are expected to join the effort. 

“With the latest technologies, an ecosystem of partners, and an integrated approach, we are making tangible progress. Our goal is to combat public health challenges ranging from addiction to Alzheimer’s and beyond. Learn more about the RNI’s first-in-the-world clinical trials and the top caliber experts joining us in our mission,” WVU concluded.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote patient monitoring has been vital to ensure both patient and provider safety. 

In April, one of the largest health systems in the US leveraged Xealth’s digital platform to deliver Twistle’s care automation and remote patient monitoring platform for COVID-19 patients. 

Providence is using pathway solutions from Twistle to reach at-risk patients and uncover their symptoms through text, call, or smartphone apps. If the patient is displaying COVID-19 symptoms, local care teams will be notified via text. 

The at-home monitoring solution includes Providence’s COVID-19 Hub microsite to further educate patients by giving accurate and timely information, a self-assessment tool called Grace, and virtual visits using Express Care Virtual.

“In the current environment, we have a large population of patients who are concerned and experiencing symptoms that may or may not be indicative of COVID-19,” Todd Czartoski, MD, chief medical technology officer for Providence, said in the press release. “Incorporating Xealth and Twistle into our clinical operations extends the reach of our front-line caregivers – enabling us to give them leverage to monitor patients effectively and efficiently – while keeping patients safely at home.”