UMass Amherst handheld AI tool turns cough sounds into flu, pandemic forecasts

A portable artificial intelligence device was able to analyze coughing sounds in a clinic waiting room and produce models of the spread of the flu and other viral respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19, a new study finds.

Advertisement

The FluSense model was developed by researchers at University of Massachusetts Amherst and tested in campus clinic waiting rooms. The AI platform was able to analyze coughing sounds and crowd size collected by the handheld device in real-time, then use that data to accurately predict daily illness rates in each clinic, according to the study.

Ultimately, once the model has been tested in other geographic locations and different areas, such as hospitals and larger public spaces, the researchers suggested that it may allow public and global health experts to predict the spread of the seasonal flu and pandemics such as COVID-19 more accurately, allowing them to be more proactive in establishing vaccine campaigns, enacting travel restrictions and allocating medical supplies, according to a March 19 news release.

More articles on AI:
OSF HealthCare using AI virtual assistant to improve COVID-19 screenings, care navigation
Data scientists use digital tools, machine learning to predict number of patients to contract coronavirus
Rush cardiologist joins advisory board of AI precision medicine startup

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Innovation

Advertisement

Comments are closed.