Reshaping Wound Care: Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence App to Improve Wound Assessment and Management.

Journal: Studies in health technology and informatics
PMID:

Abstract

This study evaluated the usability and effectiveness of an artificial intelligence application for wound assessment and management from a clinician-and-patient perspective. A quasi-experimental design was conducted in four settings in an Australian health service. Data were collected from patients in the standard (n=166,243 wounds) and intervention (n=124,184 wounds) group, at baseline and post-intervention. Clinicians completed a survey (n=10) and focus group (n=13) and patients were interviewed (n=4). Wound documentation were analysed descriptively, bivariate statistics determined between-group differences, and interviews were thematically analysed. Compared with the standard group, wound documentation in the intervention group improved significantly (<2 items documented 24% vs 70%, P < .001). During the intervention, 101/132 wounds improved (mean wound size reduction=53.99%). Positive evaluations included instantaneous objective wound assessment, shared wound plans increased patient adherence and enhanced efficiency in providing virtual care. Application use facilitated remote patient monitoring and reduced patient travel time while maintaining optimal wound care.

Authors

  • Michelle Barakat-Johnson
    Nursing and Midwifery Executive Services, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), NSW, Australia.
  • Aaron Jones
    Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Big Data and Geriatric Models of Care (BDG) Cluster, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
  • Mitch Burger
    Health Informatics Unit, SLHD, NSW, Australia.
  • Thomas Leong
    Nursing and Midwifery Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, SLHD, NSW, Australia.
  • Astrid Frotjold
    Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney (USYD), NSW, Australia.
  • Sue Randall
    Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney (USYD), NSW, Australia.
  • Judith Fethney
    Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney (USYD), NSW, Australia.
  • Fiona Coyer
    School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), QLD, Australia.