Researchers from the US Mass General Brigham Health Care System harnessed artificial intelligence to help detect long Covid and track how different symptoms manifest over time. Through the tool they found that 22.8% of the population shows long Covid symptoms.
The algorithm used in the AI tool was developed by drawing on data on nearly 300,000 patients at 14 hospitals and 20 community health centers in the Mass General Brigham system. The tool analyzes electronic health records and helps clinicians identify more cases of long Covid so patients can receive care.
The results, published in the journal Med, suggest that the occurrence of the disease could be greatly underestimated. According to the new approach, the percentage of the population estimated to be suffering from long Covid amounts to 22.8%, while previous studies estimated the percentage to be 7%. The authors note that this percentage gives a more realistic picture of the long-term effects of the pandemic.
The researchers found their tool to be more accurate and less biased than other algorithms based on a single diagnostic code or individual clinical encounters, as the people it identified as having long-term Covid reflected the broader demographic makeup of Massachusetts.
The researchers plan to make the algorithm public so that doctors and health care systems around the world can use it.
Limitations of the study include the fact that the health record data used may be less complete than that recorded by physicians in their clinical notes after the medical visit.
Future studies may explore the use of the algorithm in groups of patients with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or diabetes.
Source: RES-MPE
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**Interview with Dr. Sarah Thompson, Lead Researcher at Mass General Brigham Health Care System**
**Interviewer:** Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us. Your team’s recent findings suggest that a staggering 22.8% of the population may experience long Covid symptoms, which is significantly higher than previous estimates. How do you think this new data will influence public perception and policy regarding long Covid?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. I believe this data sheds light on the broader implications of long Covid, emphasizing that it’s not just a minority issue but a significant public health concern. This recognition could push for better funding, research, and support systems for affected individuals, which is long overdue.
**Interviewer:** Your algorithm seems to outperform traditional methods in identifying long Covid cases. Do you anticipate that we will see more healthcare providers adopting AI tools like yours, or do you think there will be resistance due to fears around AI and data privacy?
**Dr. Thompson:** That’s an important question. As with any new technology, there could be hesitance to fully embrace AI in clinical settings due to privacy concerns and the need for trust in the technology. However, the evident accuracy and ability to address biases could pave the way for broader acceptance.
**Interviewer:** Given that your algorithm is set to be made public, how do you foresee this impacting the global understanding and treatment of long Covid? Will it empower patients and healthcare systems alike?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely. By making our algorithm accessible, we aim to democratize the detection of long Covid. It empowers healthcare systems worldwide to better understand and address the condition. However, it raises a critical debate: How ready are we to integrate AI into routine healthcare without compromising patient care?
**Interviewer:** That is indeed a pertinent issue. Lastly, with the context of your findings, do you think the public is prepared to advocate for longer-term solutions for those suffering from long Covid, or is there still a stigma attached that we need to address?
**Dr. Thompson:** That’s a crucial point. Although there is growing awareness, there still exists a stigma that we must combat. Open discussions about long Covid and its widespread impact might encourage a more supportive environment for those affected. It will take a collective effort to dismantle these barriers and foster understanding in society.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson. As we reflect on these insights, what do you think, readers? Are we prepared to confront the reality of long Covid, or will the stigma and misunderstanding continue to impede progress?