Machine Learning for Work Disability Prevention: Introduction to the Special Series.

Journal: Journal of occupational rehabilitation
PMID:

Abstract

Rapid development in computer technology has led to sophisticated methods of analyzing large datasets with the aim of improving human decision making. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (ML) approaches hold tremendous potential for solving complex real-world problems such as those faced by stakeholders attempting to prevent work disability. These techniques are especially appealing in work disability contexts that collect large amounts of data such as workers' compensation settings, insurance companies, large corporations, and health care organizations, among others. However, the approaches require thorough evaluation to determine if they add value to traditional statistical approaches. In this special series of articles, we examine the role and value of ML in the field of work disability prevention and occupational rehabilitation.

Authors

  • Douglas P Gross
    Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, 2-50 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada. dgross@ualberta.ca.
  • Ivan A Steenstra
    Morneau Shepell, Toronto, Canada.
  • Frank E Harrell
    Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA.
  • Colin Bellinger
    Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. cbelling@ualberta.ca.
  • Osmar Zaiane
    Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.