The field of pediatric care is seeing new innovations with the introduction of two new smartphone apps that are expected to have a significant impact on the healthcare of children.
One of these groundbreaking apps comes from the University of Pittsburgh, where clinicians have developed an AI algorithm that can effectively identify acute otitis media (AOM), a common childhood infection. Ear infections are challenging to diagnose, especially in young children who may not be able to express their symptoms clearly. This app allows clinicians to use an otoscope connected to a camera to analyze a patient’s eardrum, helping them to identify AOM with a success rate of 93%, far surpassing the accuracy of expert physicians.
The second app, developed by Intermountain Health in partnership with Picterus AS, a Norwegian digital health company, aims to detect jaundice in newborns. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. This app utilizes a smartphone camera and a laminated card to measure bilirubin levels in newborns, providing a convenient way for parents to monitor their baby’s health at home and alert healthcare providers if jaundice is detected.
These new smartphone apps are revolutionizing pediatric care by providing innovative solutions that make it easier for clinicians to accurately diagnose and monitor common childhood health issues, ultimately improving outcomes for young patients.