Machine Learning and Augmented Intelligence Cross the Chasm in Health Care

By Mark Sendak

Machine Learning (ML) and Augmented Intelligence (AI) crossed the chasm at Duke Health in 2019. The technologies and clinical integrations are now mainstream with great expectations to improve care delivery and outcomes.

First was the launch of Sepsis Watch on November 5, 2018, after the DIHI team spent two and a half years developing and validating a deep learning model and building infrastructure to support real-time model integrations. This milestone marked the first time a deep learning technology was integrated into routine clinical care in the United States. The six-month pilot brought Duke University Hospital to the top decile in performance for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sepsis measure.

Amidst the pilot success, five ML/AI projects were selected for funding through the DIHI RFA, including projects led by multiple clinical stakeholders involved in the Sepsis Watch program. In June 2019, the team at DIHI, in partnership with the emergency departments at Duke Regional Hospital and Duke Raleigh Hospital, implemented Sepsis Watch. In parallel, DIHI integrated two new ML/AI models for predicting steroid-induced hyperglycemia and inpatient mortality into clinical care.

The ecosystem at Duke Health and Duke University is coalescing around the opportunity to lead the nation in developing and integrating ML/AI into clinical care. Ai.health, announced in June 2019, will harness talent, energy, and resources to scale high impact collaborations to improve health care.