Study: AI-powered clinical software can improve care quality by 69%

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has begun transforming healthcare by enhancing various aspects of patient care. One notable advancement is the use of AI in maternal healthcare through Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS), which help healthcare providers make informed decisions.

A recent study published in eClinicalMedicine reveals that maternity services using AI and clinical software tools are 69% more likely to improve care quality. This groundbreaking review highlights how AI-driven systems can support safer and more effective maternity services globally.

How does it work?

Clinical Decision Support Systems integrate data analytics and algorithms to assist healthcare providers in maternity settings, enabling them to make safer and more effective decisions. These tools compile relevant information from various studies, guidelines, and patient data — offering recommendations tailored to individual cases. A notable example comes from a study led by Bristol University, where a CDSS provided guidance to women deciding on vaginal birth after a c-section. By presenting the benefits and risks, the software increased women's confidence in their choices, reducing the need for c-sections.

In another trial, the Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research used a risk-prediction model within a CDSS to assess the likelihood of ectopic pregnancies, a potentially life-threatening condition. This application underscores the power of CDSS to support clinicians in making informed decisions that prioritize patient safety.

Why does it matter?

AI-powered CDSS represents a critical advancement in maternal healthcare, addressing key challenges in maternity services.

As Dr. Neil Cockburn, a Health Informatics Research Fellow, explains, "Maternity services are under huge pressure in the UK and internationally, and that makes it challenging to offer safe services."

CDSS can alleviate some of these pressures by streamlining decision-making and reducing risks, ultimately improving outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Furthermore, with digital transformation of healthcare systems prioritized by governments globally, tools like CDSS play an essential role. These systems support clinicians and patients, enhancing their confidence in decision-making, as seen in the Bristol University study. However, Dr. Cockburn emphasizes that systematic evaluations are essential to ensure these tools remain effective as technology evolves.

The context

This study marks the first comprehensive review of CDSS in maternity care, analyzing data from over 5.2 million pregnancies across both high-income and low-to-middle-income countries. The researchers examined nearly 50 types of CDSS, highlighting their potential to improve outcomes in diverse settings. Despite variations in implementation and impact, the findings suggest that AI in maternal healthcare offers significant benefits globally.

The University of Birmingham, along with other institutions such as Keele University and Warwick University, aims to set a standard for ongoing evaluation and improvement of CDSS. As digital transformation accelerates, continued research and adaptation of these tools are crucial to addressing the complex needs of maternity care worldwide.