AI-powered research tackles healthcare inequality for people with learning disabilities
Dr Michelle O Reilly, Associate Professor of Communication in Mental Health and Chartered Psychologist in Health at the University of Leicester
A new report by the Academy of Social Sciences has showcased research by the University of Leicester and led by Loughborough University on using artificial intelligence to tackle healthcare inequality.
One of nine case studies highlighting groundbreaking research from Midland-based universities, the project aims to use AI to provide preventative health care to people with learning disabilities.
According to the report, two-thirds of people with a learning disability have a life expectancy 15-20 years lower than the UK average. This is because people with learning difficulties are likely to have two or more long-term physical health conditions which may be misattributed to either a mental health problem or as being an inherent part of their disability. To address the healthcare equality, the report says that there must be improved coordination of care between health and social services. However, the inability to predict the interactions between long term conditions and individual care needs creates a challenge to provide effective person-centred care.
The University of Leicester and Loughborough University, in partnership with the Midlands NHS Trusts, has combined their expertise in social sciences, computer science and health science to inform preventative healthcare actions for people with learning disabilities and chronic health conditions.
Using healthcare data from England and Wales, the research team was able to analyse and determine which long-term conditions are most likely to occur together, how these conditions progress over time, and the role that factors such as lifestyle choices, financial positions, and social situations play into them.
The research team used this information to create DECODE (Data-driven machinE-learning aided stratification and management of multiple long-term COnditions in adults with intellectual disabilitiES) which aims to create an AI system that healthcare professionals in primary care can utilise for preventative health.
Dr Michelle O Reilly, Associate Professor of Communication in Mental Health at the University of Leicester was a key contributor to the project.
Dr O Reilly said: "DECODE, funded by the NIHR, has centralised the involvement of people with learning disabilities to innovate the use of AI for preventative healthcare. People with learning disabilities are more likely to experience multiple long-term health conditions and thus clinicians require predictive tools to support their patients, and people with learning disabilities need knowledge to support their health.
"While in the early stages, DECODE has already published articles to support future researchers to include this seldom-heard group, has created a dashboard for use by clinicians, and produced a communication toolkit with animation to facilitate the translation of complex medical concepts into lay language.”
"Initial evaluation and anecdotal evidence suggest that the communication materials developed from the project have meant that carers believe that people with learning disabilities are more motivated to eat healthier and exercise as they now have a better understanding of their health. We are also aware that clinicians are starting to appreciate the value of modified communication with their patients with learning disabilities, and that the infographics and animation are being requested for use in healthcare teams and clinical areas."
Professor Teela Sanders, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities said: "As a world leading research intensive university we pride ourselves on conducting impactful research which makes a different to people’s lives locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.”
"We strive hard to ensure that communities are included in research methodologies and that the research process is inclusive and meaningful to individual’s lives as well as for organisations and policy makers to be better informed.”
"This collaborative project is an example of both the interdisciplinary strengths across Leicester and Loughborough in social sciences but also the deep reach into communities who are affected by social inequities."