Software robot enhances monitoring of amiodarone treatment

A recent study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research describes how researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a software robot to enhance the clinical evaluation of amiodarone treatment for cardiac arrhythmia. The robot is designed to support healthcare professionals to search for appropriate patients, check their test results against an algorithm, and present a recommended course of action for the attending cardiologist. This system aims to streamline the routine monitoring process, thereby improving patient safety and reducing manual workload. 

Amiodarone, marketed under the trade name Cordarone, is used to restore normal heart rhythm in patients with conditions such as atrial fibrillation and tachycardia. Regular laboratory testing is essential because of the drug’s potential impact on thyroid and liver function. Traditionally, physicians, along with nurses and physiotherapists, have managed this process manually. In contrast, the new system automates key functions including: 

• Patient Identification: Scanning an administrative patient list to identify eligible candidates. 

• Test Evaluation: Comparing laboratory test results with a guideline-based algorithm. 

• Follow-Up Scheduling: Recommending test intervals and updating the waiting list for the next appointment. 

In the study, the software robot’s performance was compared with that of practicing physicians in 390 real-life situations. 

On average, the robot recommended a 4.5-month interval between laboratory tests, which is consistent with standard clinical practice, while physicians prescribed an average interval of 3.1 months. In terms of side effects detection, the software robot identified 12 side effects during the initial evaluation, compared to 8 initially detected by the physicians. These findings suggest that automated monitoring may help to avoid unnecessary lab tests and improve the detection of side effects, thereby enhancing overall patient safety. 

One of the driving forces behind this research is the potential to reduce healthcare costs while increasing the value for patients. Helén Sjöland, adjunct professor of cardiology at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and senior physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, explains: “The method was shown to reduce manual work tasks, reduce the frequency of lab tests, and improve the detection of side effects. Accordingly, it would likely reduce healthcare costs while increasing the value for patients,” she says. 

She further adds: “The robot does what a human would otherwise do – it simply follows the rules, which are actually quite complex. As practicing physicians, we're too cautious and order some tests unnecessarily to play it safe.” 

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: The Swedish Research Council