Revolutionizing Pediatric Care: Smartphone Apps Utilize AI for Diagnosing Ear Infections and Monitoring Newborns

Pediatric care is undergoing a transformation thanks to recent advancements in technology, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Two innovative smartphone apps have been developed that hold the potential to significantly impact pediatric care. These apps are offering small-scale solutions with far-reaching implications.

The first app, developed by clinicians at the University of Pittsburgh, utilizes an AI algorithm to detect acute otitis media (AOM) in young children. AOM is a common childhood infection, with approximately 70% of children experiencing an ear infection before their first birthday. The new app allows clinicians to easily analyze a patient’s eardrum through an otoscope connected to a camera, resulting in a 93% success rate in identifying AOM. This is a significant improvement compared to 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, a Norwegian digital health company, 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 revolutionizing pediatric care and providing accessible and efficient solutions to common childhood health issues. With these tools, clinicians can diagnose ear infections quickly and accurately while parents can monitor their babies at home for signs of jaundice without needing medical intervention right away.