Ontario Tech University and Lakeridge Health hold AI healthcare research event in Oshawa
Ontario Tech University and Lakeridge Health have established the Partnership for Advanced Technology in Health Care (PATH) to examine the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. As part of this partnership, over a dozen Ontario Tech researchers presented AI research projects to Lakeridge Health clinicians at a Research Connection Day on December 3 at the Software and Informatics Research Centre in Oshawa.
According to both institutions, this collaboration is intended to connect university researchers with local clinicians to address issues such as increased patient demand and clinician shortages. The events aim to facilitate knowledge sharing between academic and clinical staff.
During the Research Connection Day, researchers highlighted a variety of AI applications related to health care. Topics included virtual reality and haptic technology for training health professionals and examining neuromuscular physiology, as well as the use of wearable technologies and machine learning for concussion prevention. Presentations also covered platforms that use AI to monitor respiratory health and provide early warnings of deterioration.
Other projects involved social robotics and virtual reality reminiscence therapy for dementia care, including the use of robotic companion dogs and conversational AI avatars. Mathematical modelling and machine learning methods were presented for ambulance fleet management, while simulation technologies were demonstrated for medical training. Researchers discussed the use of vocal biomarkers to assist in diagnosing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and sepsis.
Additional research focused on machine learning for heartbeat analysis, advanced electroencephalogram (EEG) tools to examine delirium in children, and computational modelling for spinal surgery and recovery from low-back pain. Automated documentation tools, such as AI Scribe for patient records, were also presented. Ontario Tech University noted that patient consent is required to use such AI tools and that all documentation is verified by clinicians.
Ontario Tech University stated it will host further sessions for Lakeridge Health clinicians during the winter, including in-lab visits and a week-long event in January for student engagement guided by clinical experts.
Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President of Research and Innovation at Ontario Tech University, said, “PATH’s first Research Connection Day was a huge step forward on our collaborative road to help inform clinician decision-making through the responsible and ethical use of digital health tools like AI.”
Dr. Ilan Lenga, Chief Information Officer at Lakeridge Health, said, “Through PATH, we are exploring how innovative tools like artificial intelligence can support clinicians in delivering exceptional care while addressing the operational challenges health systems are faced with today. The Research Connection Day provided a valuable opportunity to understand the expertise of Ontario Tech researchers, and it’s exciting to see how their capabilities align with our specific needs and priorities at Lakeridge Health.”