Advancements in technology have led to the creation of two new smartphone apps that are set to revolutionize pediatric care. These innovative tools offer small-scale solutions with far-reaching implications, making it easier for healthcare providers to diagnose and treat common childhood health issues.
The first app, developed by clinicians at the University of Pittsburgh, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect acute otitis media (AOM) in young children. This is a common childhood infection that affects approximately 70% of children before their first birthday. With this app, clinicians can easily analyze a patient’s eardrum through an otoscope connected to a camera, resulting in a 93% success rate in identifying AOM. This is much higher than the success rate of expert physicians, which typically ranges from 30% to 48%. With this tool, clinicians can quickly and accurately diagnose ear infections without the challenges of examining a squirming infant.
The second app, developed by Intermountain Health in partnership with Picterus AS, focuses on detecting jaundice in newborns. Jaundice affects approximately three out of every five babies in the US shortly after birth and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. The app uses a smartphone camera in conjunction with a laminated card to measure bilirubin levels in newborns, allowing for a quick and easy diagnosis without the need for a hospital visit for a blood test. This technology enables parents to monitor their babies at home and promptly alert healthcare providers if jaundice is detected.
Marie DeFreitas, an associate content specialist at HealthLeaders, highlights the importance of these new smartphone apps in providing accessible and efficient solutions to common childhood health issues. By utilizing cutting-edge technology, healthcare providers can diagnose and treat these conditions more quickly and accurately than ever before.
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