Tag: patient

New AI Model Improves Personalized Blood Glucose Prediction for Type 1 Diabetes

Jeonbuk National University Researchers Develop an AI Model For Personalized Blood Glucose Monitoring

The hybrid model integrates three components to address key challenges and was rigorously evaluated, paving way for accurate blood glucose prediction

Patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) require accurate and consistent monitoring of their blood glucose levels. Over the past decade, AI models have been explored to tackle this challenge; however, inter-patient variability and large data volumes remain key challenges. In a new study, researchers present BiT-MAML, a model-agnostic algorithm aimed at personalized blood glucose prediction of patients with T1D. This approach overcomes the limitations of existing models and enables precise predictions in real clinical settings.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks insulin-producing cells. As a result, patients with T1D must closely monitor their blood glucose (BG) levels and rely on insulin injections or pumps. Even small miscalculations or oversights can lead to unregulated blood sugar levels, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have emerged as a promising tool for predicting and forecasting BG levels. Over the past decade, researchers have explored artificial intelligence (AI) models for improving the prediction accuracy of CGM systems. However, differences in physiology between patients and poor adaptation for new users persist to challenge the widespread adoption of this technology in real-world settings. In addition, traditional models often focus on either short-term or long-term glucose patterns, but not both.

In an attempt to address these issues, a research team led by Professor Jaehyuk Cho from the Department of Software Engineering at Jeonbuk National University in South Korea, have developed an innovative model, named BiT-MAML, aimed at tackling inter-patient variability in BG prediction. Explaining further, Prof. Cho says, “BG dynamics are not uniform across all patients. The physiological patterns of an elderly patient are vastly different from those of a young adult.” Adding further, he says, “Our model demonstrates how this variability can be accounted for by developing more personalized models.” Their findings were published in Scientific Reports on August 20, 2025. 

BiT-MAML (where “BiT-“ stands for Bidirectional LSTM-Transformer” and “MAML” stands for “Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning”) uses hybrid architecture combining two deep learning models: bidirectional long-short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) and Transformer. Bi-LSTM processes time-series BG data bidirectionally, precisely capturing short-term patterns. Simultaneously, the transformer, utilizing a multi-head attention approach, efficiently models long-term patterns, capturing complex day-to-day and lifestyle-based cyclical variations. During training, the researchers applied a meta-learning approach known as Model-Agnostic Meta-Learning (MAML) that helps the model quickly adapt to new and diverse patients using only a small amount of training data by learning from a wide range of patient examples. 

To test model performance, the researchers adopted a Leave-One-Patient-Out Cross-Validation (LOPO-CV) scheme. “In simple terms, we train the AI on five patients, then test it on the sixth patient it has never seen before,” explains Prof. Cho. “This is effective for assessing the model’s ability to generalize to unseen patients.” 

The model demonstrated significantly reduced prediction error compared to conventional models. Notably, the prediction error varied from an excellent 19.64 milligram/decilitre (mg/dL) for one patient to a challenging 30.57 mg/dL for another. While these results represent a clear improvement over the standard LSTM models, they also highlight the persistent difficulty of managing inter-patient variability in real-world settings. “Our study shows how AI-based BG prediction models should be evaluated to improve both trust and model performance,” concludes Prof. Cho. “Addressing this challenge will contribute to the development of effective CGM models that can serve diverse patients with T1D, from children to elderly.”

These findings attest to the fact that the development of effective personalized BG prediction requires the use of advanced AI models incorporating robust evaluation methods that can transparently report the full spectrum of performance.

Reference

Title of original paper: Personalized blood glucose prediction in type 1 diabetes using meta-learning with bidirectional long short term memory-transformer hybrid model

Journal: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-13491-5  

OxygenCare expands Digital Healthcare offering with Medanets

OxygenCare is delighted to announce the introduction of the Medanets integrated Point of Care Nursing app to its ever-expanding Digital Healthcare solutions portfolio. The collaboration brings together two companies with a shared vision for improving patient care through innovative digital healthcare solutions.

Stephen Nicholson, Digital Health Manager, OxygenCare, explains: “Medanets simplifies nursing routines, supports decision making, complements and integrates with EHR systems, and releases time to care for patients.’ The CE and MDR certified app was developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals.

OxygenCare is a multi-award-winning, family-owned business with over 50 years supporting healthcare throughout the island of Ireland.

“Their dedicated digital health team and prior experience in delivering complex ICU and anaesthesia systems make them an deal partner for us,” says Medanets CEO Juha-Matti Ranta. “On top of that, their deep market knowledge and the impression made by their team further solidified our confidence in this partnership. It seems we are a natural fit in both values and working style.”

For over 30 years, OxygenCare has been transforming digital healthcare through clinical systems and working with innovative products and solutions throughout Ireland. The Medanets integrated nursing app supports point-of-care documentation and immediate access to key patient data, making it a natural fit with OxygenCare’s digital portfolio.

Combining OxygenCare’s connectivity solutions with Medanets’ mobile solutions can provide significant added value both to organisations already using an electronic health record (EHR) and to hospitals beginning their digital journey.

“We can offer healthcare providers a fast-track way to modernise operations, even in settings where an EHR is not yet in place. For instance, Medanets supports “lightweight IT” approaches such as sending PDFs directly to a document archive—a direct impactful step forward in digital empowerment,” Ranta explains.

Maurice Moran, Managing Director of OxygenCare, adds: “This Medanets offering complements our portfolio, and we see strong market potential. Together, we are currently conducting exploratory efforts in the market to identify opportunities and tailor our approach to local needs. Through this new partnership, all care phases can be managed digitally through a single provider. This partnership marks a promising step toward improving healthcare outcomes in Ireland and underscores the strength of collaboration in driving innovation forward.”

Investing in the Right Equipment: A Guide for Dental Professionals

Building a successful dental practice is all about making sure you and the rest of your team have access to the very best equipment. Precision, accuracy, and reliability all need to be factored into the equation. Without these fundamental considerations, your practice won’t be able to optimise patient outcomes and minimise patient waiting times. 

Knowing how to invest in the right equipment is all about having a set process that you can follow from beginning to end. Because we want you to be able to follow this process for every type of equipment you invest in, we’ve created a process that’s so versatile it will adapt to every issue you face. 

Ask for proof of a track record 

Whether it’s the equipment manufacturer or the supplier who delivers the consumables when you need them, don’t be shy about asking for proof of a track record. Every business that knows its stuff will want to tell you why it can help you, and that means the person on the other end of the phone will have everything you need to know at your fingertips. Take a moment to weigh up what they are saying and then compare it against some of their direct competitors, and you will be able to make an informed decision without delay. 

Read the online reviews 

Online reviews are there to be read and digested, so why not take a look as soon as you finish this quick guide? Many people are put off by the presence of a small number of negative reviews, but they are actually some of the most valuable information you will find online. If a small number of customers and clients are complaining about the same issue and it doesn’t appear to have been resolved, this is a warning sign. Likewise, if the issues are promptly resolved and the responses are professional and polite, this is a green light. 

Analyse the customer service 

The way you are treated when you phone or email says a lot about the team of people who are behind the scenes. If you find that the customer service is quick, efficient, and friendly, you will be able to make your choice with the peace of mind that makes all the difference. Exactly what you want to hear when you’re looking to build relationships that will take the stress out of running your practice for many years to come. 

Consider servicing and repairs

All advanced equipment will need to be serviced or repaired at some point, but it’s the frequency and the cost that matter here. You want to minimise both at the same time, and have a contingency plan built into the way your practice is equipped if possible. That way, you will be able to keep serving your patients when a key piece of scanning or diagnostic equipment is down for scheduled maintenance. 

Think about the lead times 

The initial investment is one thing, but many pieces of dental equipment will work their way through a list of consumables and replacement parts. Making sure that they are budget-friendly and easy to source is really important. You want transparent pricing, discounts on bulk buys, and short lead times to make sure that you are always able to offer the service your patients have come to expect from you. 

Look for nationwide coverage 

Sourcing dental equipment from a supplier who is well-established and serves the entire UK will make sure that you never fall foul of the downsides of hyper-local suppliers. Nationwide coverage also reduces delivery times and makes sure that any gaps in local supply can be easily solved via other distribution centres. Exactly what you want to hear when you’re looking to invest in the right dental equipment from day one. 

Set a budget for reinvestment 

Continually upgrading your equipment through a proactive approach to reinvestment is what will keep your practice in the best possible health. Putting aside a set part of your monthly budget for reinvestment is a wise move here. You can then fall back on a pot of money when an upgrade is released that you want to add to your existing equipment. 

Put aside time for training 

Last but by no means least, remember that all new equipment will require training time for each relevant member of the care team. The best equipment will offer a powerful range of new functions while also being quick and easy to master, so that you can get back to what you do best.

Mater Hospital Launches Ireland’s first AI Centre in a Clinical Setting to Transform Patient Care

The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH) has become the first hospital in Ireland to establish a Centre for AI and Digital Health. The new hub, which will be based at the Pillar Centre for Transformative Healthcare, will utilise artificial intelligence (AI) to solve clinical problems across the hospital and, through research, develop AI-driven solutions to improve patient care and outcomes.

The Mater Hospital’s Centre for AI and Digital Health has been brought about through the collaboration of consultants, researchers and hospital leadership, and will make a tangible difference in patient care. From reducing emergency department waiting times, to assisting in diagnostics and automating time-consuming tasks, the Centre will place the Mater Hospital at the forefront of AI-driven healthcare innovation in Ireland.

“AI has the power to transform how we deliver healthcare,” said Erin Daly, Operations Manager for the Pillar Centre for Transformative Healthcare. “At the Mater Hospital, we are developing AI solutions that directly improve clinical processes, whether it’s streamlining workflows, assisting in medical research, or helping doctors make faster, data-driven decisions.”

The Mater Hospital’s new hub for AI-driven medical advancements is overseeing the adoption of AI and engaging in research across multiple medical specialties, including radiology, oncology, cardiology, and ophthalmology.

“This centre offers a unique opportunity to bring together clinical and technical expertise to adopt and innovate with AI in Irish healthcare,” says Paul Banahan, Senior AI Research Fellow at the Mater Hospital.

Among some of its pioneering research projects are:

  • AI-driven automation which will help to identify suitable patients for clinical trials in oncology. This will significantly reduce the 16 hours per week it currently takes a nurse to manually scan these lists, speeding up patient access to clinical trials.

  • The reduction in the number of cardiac fluoroscopy video x-ray images, and subsequently the radiation exposure to both the patients and clinical staff, through real-time AI generated images.

  • The synthetic spinal imaging project, which has developed a generative AI that can convert lumbar spine CT images into synthetic MRI images for Cauda Equina Syndrome presentations, allowing for better and more robust out-of-hour or emergency care planning and treatment.

Speaking on the potential applications of AI in cardiology, Prof. Joe Galvin, Consultant Cardiologist at the Mater Hospital said, “AI has the potential to enhance the accuracy of ECG and radiology scan analysis, reducing the time that a patient has to wait for the results of their diagnosis and, if required, starting their treatment sooner.  If a patient suffers from cardiovascular disease, stroke or cardiac arrest, every minute counts. AI’s ability to increase accuracy and speed may be life-saving.”

While AI promises significant benefits, the Centre is equally focused on its responsible and ethical implementation. Robust data protection and management frameworks are being developed to ensure patient safety and privacy, as well compliance with best practices.

“AI in healthcare must be implemented with care, accountability, and a clear focus on improving patient outcomes,” said Josephine Ryan Leacy, CEO of the Mater Hospital. “The Mater Hospital’s Centre for AI and Digital Health is focused on ensuring that AI is developed and deployed in a way that prioritises patient safety, transparency and real clinical benefits.”

The Centre’s work is already proving invaluable, with AI solutions contributing to the reduction of emergency department waiting times and optimising hospital workflows. In the Mater’s Radiology department, AI is assisting in the rapid notification of suspected pathologies, like stroke and fractures, which are being correctly flagged by AI within 2-3 minutes of the scan being completed, with an accuracy rate of over 90%. Mater Hospital Consultant Radiologist Prof. Peter MacMahon said, “Our experiences have underscored the tangible benefits of AI, notably in expediting critical diagnoses and reducing turnaround times by rapidly flagging anomalies detected in scans.”

“Bringing AI into clinical practice is not just about innovation, it’s about making healthcare more efficient, effective, and accessible,” said Prof Brendan Kinsley, Clinical Director of the Pillar Centre for Transformative Healthcare. “The Mater Hospital’s Centre for AI and Digital Health is laying the groundwork for a smarter, more responsive healthcare system, and I am incredibly proud to see this vision come to life.”

For more information visit the Centre for AI and Digital Health website here.

Digital Transformation: How Technology Changed Healthcare Business

The health sector has undergone a serious transformation in recent years, mainly because of technological changes. This digital revolution has not only enhanced the care provided to patients but also smoothed operations and made healthcare access more efficient. The inclusion of telehealth, which is seen as a fundamental component of contemporary healthcare delivery, has undoubtedly been one of the largest shifts.

The Rise of Telehealth

Advanced health care facilities offer telehealth appointments, which is a method of receiving healthcare remotely via digital information and communication technology, such as computers and mobile devices. This technology allows patients and doctors to communicate efficiently but remotely, which omits the need for visiting doctors in person even for minor health issues. It has been particularly beneficial for those patients who reside a long distance away, have transportation complications, or would simply be better at ease being treated virtually.

Telehealth is the lifeline of COVID-19, wherein consultations and treatments are given amidst avoidance of exposures. This idea aided in minimizing the spread of the virus and helped keep essential healthcare services available.

Enhanced Patient Care

Better patient care is one of the main advantages of the digital transformation in healthcare.  Instead of using papers and endless file, patient records are stored electronically. This change allows users to access a patient’s complete medical history with a single click or tap. This leads to more complete diagnoses and better-informed treatment options.

Moreover, wearable technology and remote monitoring devices enable healthcare professionals to monitor patients’ vital signs and other health status measures in real-time. Such a possibility of continuous monitoring allows doctors to detect problems well in advance and interfere with treatment when an issue can be effectively dealt with.

Operational Efficiency

Similarly, there has been a vast enhancement in operational efficiency since digital transformation came into being. With automation, administrative tasks, like setting up appointments and billing, fall off the workers’ shoulders, leaving them with substantial time to cater to the patients.

AI and machine learning algorithms analyze vast volumes of data to predict patient needs and optimize resource allocation. The analytics-driven approach empowers healthcare organizations to make better, more wholesome decisions that enable prudent resource utilization and cost savings.

Improved Accessibility

Technology integration widens access to healthcare. Mobile health applications and online portals enable patients to schedule appointments, verify their test results, and communicate with their healthcare providers anywhere at any moment that is most convenient for them.

Telehealth platforms have also given patients access to specialists who could be in other cities or countries. That way, it democratizes access to specialists and thus helps patients get the best treatment possible based on their location.

Besides, health booths equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and telemedicine capabilities are being deployed in public spaces. In the near future, they will be deployed in remote areas, allowing people to access healthcare instantly. These booths enable patients to receive immediate medical diagnostics and medicine without traveling to a hospital or clinic. They can also consult with healthcare professionals. This further enhances accessibility, especially for underserved populations.

Digitalization in healthcare has been nothing less than revolutionary. From offering telehealth appointments to AI for predictive analytics, technology has turned how healthcare is delivered upside down. It is critical to emphasize that the more we forge ahead in this digital era, the more integration of technology will continue to drive the future of health, making healthcare truly patient-centric, effective, and accessible.

Keeping Patient Data Safe: Why Cybersecurity Is Important in Medicine

Like most areas of our society, health care has wholeheartedly embraced the boom of digital technology. Computerised equipment and ‘smart’ medical devices have revolutionised patient care, and looking back on the last twenty years, the sorts of advancements that have come about are nothing short of outstanding. 

Of course, it’s not perfect. As is the case with any infrastructure that relies heavily upon technology, there’s always the concern of cyber security. In this article, you’ll learn about the main considerations medical institutions need to make. 

On Data Breaches

Given the vast amounts of personal, sensitive data that hospitals and medical centres deal with on a daily basis, they’ve become a prime target for cybercriminals. 

Whether it be stealing patient medical histories, financial records, insurance details, bank information, and more, hackers frequently seek to target hospitals for the immense value this sort of data has on the black market for use in fraud and ransom schemes. 

Thankfully, hospitals have now started to employ rigorous encryption methods to ensure patients are protected.

The Risk Involved With Medical Devices

While there wasn’t much concern even ten years ago, the leap in technological advancements seen in medical devices has become a hot topic where cybersecurity is concerned. 

More and more frequently, implantable devices and screening equipment are connected to the internet as standard; this can offer very valuable insight for researchers, but it comes at the added cost of potentially compromising cyber security. 

Aside from the obvious worrisome issue of personal data being leaked, there’s the much more serious implication of hackers being able to interfere with the actual mechanisms of these devices – a very dangerous precedent for patient safety. 

Thankfully, companies like Blue Goat Cyber exist: they work to secure medical devices from a cybersecurity perspective before they even hit the market.  

Training and Awareness in Cybersecurity


When we’re talking cybersecurity, it’s mostly all about letting the latest technology do the work. That doesn’t mean to say that human intervention isn’t crucial, however. 

Over the last several years, hospitals and medical centres have placed a huge focus on training their staff on how to safely handle sensitive and private data. This sort of training includes cyber hygiene (how to keep data organised and properly dispose of information no longer needed), how to distinguish fishing from regular email, and what steps to take to appropriately damage control in the unfortunate event that an attack does happen. 

Protecting against cyber attacks in a medical setting requires tight collaboration, as it can only take one weak link to have everything fall down like a stack of cards. Software and hardware – if properly maintained – is usually always rocksteady, so human error represents a key area for risk mitigation. 

Wrapping Up

While data breaches and cyberattacks in hospitals may be a scary prospect, with rigorous testing, thorough staff training, and the use of the latest cybersecurity software and hardware, the risks can be managed sufficiently enough that there isn’t a major cause for concern. Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how this standard can be accomplished. 

Improve Patient Experience With These Helpful Tips

In the realm of healthcare, the patient experience plays a vital role in overall satisfaction and outcomes. By focusing on enhancing the patient experience, healthcare providers can foster trust, build stronger relationships, and ultimately improve healthcare delivery. In this blog post, we will explore several tips that can help healthcare providers improve the patient experience and create a more patient-centered environment.

Enhancing Communication

Effective communication is key to building a strong patient-provider relationship. Patients want to know that their healthcare provider is listening to their concerns and taking the time to explain things in a way they can understand.

To improve communication, start by actively listening to your patients. Give them your full attention, make eye contact, and avoid interrupting. Show empathy and understanding for their concerns, and encourage them to ask questions.

Use plain language when explaining medical terms or procedures, and provide written materials such as brochures or handouts to help patients understand their condition or treatment plan. Make sure to ask patients if they have any questions or concerns throughout their visit. In addition, regular updates on test results and treatment progress can also alleviate anxiety and keep patients informed and engaged.

Streamlining Administrative Processes

Streamlining administrative processes is critical to improving the overall patient experience in healthcare. By optimizing administrative tasks, healthcare providers can save time, reduce patient waiting times, and enhance operational efficiency. This benefits the healthcare organization and contributes to a smoother and more satisfying experience for patients. Clinical decision support providers from Zynx Health add that evidence-based solutions are crucial in streamlining administrative processes. By offering innovative solutions and technology, healthcare providers can standardize processes, retrieve real-time information, make evidence-supported decisions, and deliver consistent, high-quality care.  

Efficient and streamlined administrative processes can significantly improve the patient experience. Simplifying appointment scheduling and registration through online or mobile platforms minimizes wait times and provides convenience to patients. Adopting electronic health records (EHRs) ensures easy access to patient information and reduces the need for repetitive paperwork. By streamlining administrative tasks, healthcare providers can maximize their time with patients and enhance overall efficiency.

Creating a Welcoming and Comfortable Environment

A clean, organized, and welcoming environment can contribute to a positive patient experience. Regular cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization of waiting areas and patient rooms promote hygiene and comfort. Comfortable seating arrangements, a calming atmosphere, and access to amenities like water, reading materials, or entertainment options in waiting areas help patients feel valued and at ease. Providing comfortable gowns or robes during examinations or procedures enhances patient comfort and dignity.

Empowering and Engaging Patients

Empowering patients to actively participate in their own care journey can lead to better health outcomes. Healthcare providers should encourage shared decision-making and involve patients in treatment plans. Offering educational resources and materials that are accessible and easy to understand allows patients to make informed decisions about their health. Collecting and acting on patient feedback through surveys or feedback forms can provide valuable insights and drive improvements in the delivery of care.

Staff Training and Development

The attitude and behavior of healthcare staff have a significant impact on the patient experience. Ensuring that staff members receive training in patient-centered care, empathy, and effective communication is crucial. Ongoing professional development keeps healthcare professionals updated with best practices and promotes a culture of continuous improvement. Recognizing and appreciating staff members for their patient-centered efforts fosters a positive work environment, which translates into better patient experiences.

Embracing Technology and Innovation

Leveraging technology and innovation can transform the patient experience. Online appointment booking and telemedicine options provide convenience and flexibility for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or geographic constraints. Patient portals offer secure access to health records, test results, and communication with healthcare providers. Incorporating innovative solutions, such as remote monitoring devices for chronic disease management or patient engagement apps and wearable devices for health tracking, promotes personalized care and empowers patients to actively manage their health.

Implementing an Omnipresence CRM can further enhance these efforts by centralizing patient data and interactions, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience across all touchpoints.

Ensuring Continuity of Care

Seamless coordination of care across healthcare providers and settings is vital for a positive patient experience. Effective communication and sharing of patient information between providers during transitions and referrals ensure continuity and prevent information gaps. Providing clear instructions and resources for post-care support, along with prompt follow-up, demonstrates a commitment to comprehensive patient care and addresses any concerns or complications that may arise.

Improving the patient experience requires a patient-centered approach that prioritizes effective communication, streamlined administrative processes, a welcoming environment, patient empowerment, staff training, technology integration, and continuity of care. By implementing these helpful tips, healthcare providers can create an environment where patients feel valued, informed, and engaged in their healthcare journey. Ultimately, an enhanced patient experience contributes to improved healthcare outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and stronger patient-provider relationships. Let’s strive to continuously improve the patient experience and provide care that truly puts the patient at the center of attention.