S Louis Bridges Jr, MD, PhD: Integrating AI into RA Management

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management presents a vast potential for improving patient care, S Louis Bridges Jr, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery, explains. Currently, its use in RA management is at a promising stage, as there is immense scope for growth and innovation in leveraging AI tools for a more comprehensive approach.

In an interview with HCPLive, Bridges discusses his American College of Rheumatology State-of-the-Art (ACR-SOTA) presentation focusing on exploring the role of artificial intelligence in managing RA.

One key area of potential advancement is the utilization of patient-generated data from devices like Fitbits and smartphones to track activity levels. Incorporating this data into electronic health records (EHRs) alongside patient-reported outcomes could provide a more holistic view of a patient's health status between clinic visits. For instance, Bridges states, integrating self-reported questionnaires directly into EHRs via smartphones can offer real-time insights into a patient's well-being and medication adherence, which is crucial in managing RA effectively.

Predictive analytics is another promising area within AI for RA management. By analyzing vast datasets, AI algorithms can help predict disease flares, radiographic damage risks, and even recommend personalized treatment options based on individual patient profiles. This predictive capability empowers clinicians to proactively address potential issues and optimize treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.

While AI brings significant opportunities, it's essential to exercise caution and ensure data accuracy and privacy. Large language models like ChatGPT can assist clinicians in various tasks, but it's crucial to verify outputs and avoid sharing protected health information to comply with regulations like Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Looking ahead, fostering partnerships between patients, clinicians, and researchers will be pivotal in harnessing AI's full potential in RA management. Collaborative efforts can drive innovations that enhance patient care, promote longevity, improve quality of life, and reduce treatment-related burdens, aligning with the overarching goal of healthcare providers to optimize patient outcomes. The evolving landscape of AI in RA management ultimately represents an exciting and transformative era in healthcare delivery.

Bridges has no relevant disclosures to report.