In a study exploring how an AI-assisted diagnostic tool shaped care for underserved populations at multiple community-based primary care sites, investigators at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine, found that African American patients with diabetes were more likely to receive a diabetic eye exam referral if screened by an AI tool.
The researchers say their results potentially identify one way the integration of AI-assisted tools could address known health care disparities for people with diabetes.
Patients evaluated with the AI tool had retinal images taken using a specialized camera and analyzed in real time during their primary care appointment.
If diabetic retinopathy was detected, they were informed and given a referral to the Wilmer Eye Institute or another eye care specialist of their choice that same day.
Comparing the PCP and AI tool referral methods, the researchers observed that a higher percentage of African American patients received an eye exam referral when the AI diagnostic tool was used (64.9% vs. 44.4%) than when it was not.
【MORE】