Young Moroccan researcher pioneers predictive AI in surgery

In a groundbreaking development for healthcare technology, Sara Ben Hmido, a young Moroccan researcher, has made substantial strides in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and surgery. In October 2023, she pilot tested the world’s first predictive AI model during live surgery at Amsterdam UMC, a significant milestone aimed at predicting complications in colorectal cancer patients, such as anastomotic leaks.

This innovative AI model utilises real-time patient data, including metrics like blood pressure and blood loss, to assess risks associated with surgical procedures. Such capability supports surgeons in making critical decisions. For instance, the model assists in determining whether a high-risk patient should undergo a colostomy instead of repairing the intestine, thereby potentially decreasing severe outcomes. Moreover, it allows low-risk patients to bypass unnecessary invasive procedures, often resulting in earlier discharge from the hospital.

Speaking to Morocco World News, Ben Hmido elaborated on the aim of her research: “Our model is tuned to generate an individualized risk prediction for that specific patient,” utilising the patient’s current pre-operative parameters. This tailored approach enhances the quality of patient care by providing data-driven insights to guide decision-making.

The implications of this technology extend beyond individual patient outcomes, potentially impacting healthcare systems at large. “That’s a benefit that’s very welcome for the whole healthcare system,” Ben Hmido remarked, highlighting the model’s prospects for reducing complications, costs, and the workload on medical staff.

Ben Hmido’s passion for integrating machine learning into the medical sphere stems from its potential to transform healthcare fundamentally. “My fascination with machine learning in healthcare stems from its transformative potential to revolutionize the field,” she stated. A crucial aspect of her research is examining how risk predictions influence the doctor-patient decision-making process, which she identifies as a significant challenge. To address this, she is working with her team to draft protocols and recommend legislation to regulate the application of the AI model, ensuring that patient rights are safeguarded.

However, incorporating AI into surgical practices also raises unique challenges, particularly regarding patient autonomy and ethical considerations. “In medicine, decisions directly impact patient lives, requiring transparency and trust to ensure safety and accountability,” Ben Hmido explained. She also touched on challenges related to data handling, privacy concerns, and the necessity to use high-quality data for training AI models. To effectively realise AI’s potential, she advocates for a collaborative approach that involves technologists, clinicians, and policymakers.

Ben Hmido emphasised that countries like Morocco have significant potential to advance AI-driven healthcare systems. She expressed the notion that “the key to fully realizing this potential lies in enhancing the quality and reach of healthcare services while building robust digital infrastructure, such as electronic health record (EHR) systems.” Such foundational improvements are critical to the successful implementation of AI in healthcare, which could not only benefit Morocco but also offer a projective example for other nations.

Addressing prevalent worries about AI’s potential to replace jobs within the healthcare sector, Ben Hmido reassured that AI is a complementary tool rather than a replacement. “I firmly believe that AI will not take away any jobs in healthcare,” she stated, underscoring the irreplaceable human aspects that define medical roles, such as the empathy and compassion of nurses and the nuanced decision-making abilities of surgeons. She concluded by advocating for AI as an essential decision-support tool that streamlines processes and enables healthcare professionals to concentrate on delivering compassionate, personalised care.

Source: Noah Wire Services