A software robot has proven to be faster than doctors in recognizing side effects during drug treatment of heart rhythm disorders, while at the same time avoiding unnecessarily frequent follow-up lab tests and checks, according to a study from the University of Gothenburg.
The medication amiodarone, with the brand name Cordarone, helps the heart beat normally again when the rhythm is disturbed, as with atrial fibrillation and tachycardia. Treatment requires regular blood tests due to possible side effects on thyroid and liver function, which are currently performed entirely manually.
In a new study from the University of Gothenburg, now published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, a proprietary, guideline-based method was used to automate and facilitate the monitoring and assessment of side effects during continued treatment with amiodarone. The study aimed to develop and validate a robot prototype that is not based on artificial intelligence and adheres to current healthcare guidelines.
The robot was programmed to search an administrative list for suitable patients, compare their test results using an algorithm, and provide a recommendation for action to the treating cardiologist. Once the doctor has made their decision, the robot enters a new entry on a waiting list to book the next appointment for a blood test.
Reliable Alternative
In the study, the robot's ability was tested in parallel with the real treatment of patients, without the key cardiologists or patients knowing about the robot's assessments. The researchers could then compare the outcomes of the medical interventions with what the robot would have contributed had it been involved.
The robot's ability to perform routine checks was compared with the doctors' orders in 390 situations, and the results were clear.
On average, the software robot recommended an interval between lab tests of 4.5 months, which is completely in line with usual practice. The doctors prescribed an average interval of 3.1 months.
Based on the patients' blood tests, the robot found 12 side effects on the first attempt. The doctors discovered 8 during the first test and the rest during subsequent tests.
The researchers believe that the automated procedure, supported by a software robot and a diagnostic classification algorithm, is a technically and medically reliable option for follow-up of amiodarone treatment, and thus also for other drug treatments.
Benefits for Patients
One of the driving forces behind the study is Helén Sjöland, associate professor of cardiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and chief physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
"The method has been shown to reduce manual work tasks, decrease the frequency of lab tests, and improve the detection of side effects. Accordingly, it would likely reduce costs in the healthcare system while increasing value for patients," she says.
"The robot does what a human would otherwise do – it simply follows the rules, which are actually quite complex. As practicing physicians, we are too cautious and order some tests unnecessarily to be on the safe side."
The method has been registered as an internally manufactured medical device in accordance with the European Union's Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and is used in the cardiology department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg.
