Current Innovation Assignment by Shelby Tinsley

Descriptive Title:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:05:19 UTC

Possible Stroke? Click Here to Find Out!

Source Details:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:05:54 UTC

The article, New tool can diagnose strokes with a smartphone, was written by Jessica Hallman. It was published via psu.edu which is Penn State's official website.

Date Published:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:06:26 UTC

October 20th, 2020

Summary of the Current Innovation:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:07:00 UTC

Penn State and Houston Methodist Hospital formulated the notion for a technological tool that had the ability to identify strokes. This technological tool is one that is used by the majority of Americans every single day - a smartphone. The function of this innovation includes recognition software that identifies stroke symptoms based on the patient's speech ability and facial muscular movements. This tool possesses a machine learning algorithm which means that each time new data is acquired within the system, the more likely it will recognize these symptoms on a patient. That being said, the innovation should be carefully tested and validated before being used in the field to prevent any oversights. "Testing the model on the Houston Methodist dataset, the researchers found that its performance achieved 79% accuracy — comparable to clinical diagnostics by emergency room doctors, who use additional tests such as CT scans" (Hallman, 2020). While the execution rate of the innovation is akin to providers, this tool saves time as it can be used prior to the patient arriving to the facility. As of October of 2020, Penn State and Houston Methodist Hospital provisionally filed for a patent application.

Link and/or Embedded Video and Photos:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:07:13 UTC

https://www.medgadget.com/2020/10/smartphone-test-for-quick-stroke-diagnosis.html

https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/new-tool-can-diagnose-strokes-smartphone/

Pros:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:07:18 UTC

Every minute counts. This statement regarding strokes has been engrained into every student that has embarked on a healthcare journey since the beginning. This smartphone innovation was designed to make those precious minutes count by providing both the patient and healthcare professionals more time to determine the next step. For example, a patient is at home when they start to experience stroke-like symptoms. Their spouse immediately calls for an ambulance which arrives rather quickly. However, there is still the drive to the hospital. With this innovation, the EMTs could use their smartphone to assess the patient with a quick facial recognition and speech test. After receiving the results in a matter of minutes, the EMTs can notify the emergency room staff so they can already have a treatment plan prepared upon the patient's arrival. The data could even be shared with the hospital staff in real-time so they may have an even more thought out action plan put together. John Volpi stated, “The earlier you can identify a stroke, the better options (we have) for the patients" (as cited in Hallman, 2020). This innovation provides the possibility of identifying the stroke at an earlier time to provide hospital staff with the opportunity to give the patient the best treatment available. Smartphones may also take cognizance of stroke signs and symptoms in a way that healthcare professionals may not due to smartphones having technical abilities and advanced software. "However, in some cases, the subtle signs can be missed by clinicians, meaning that treatment is delayed" (Hastings, 2020).

The advantages of a device such as this one could be vital in saving a patient's life. The minutes taken to identify and diagnose a stroke after a patient arrives to the hospital could be the minutes that entirely change that patient's overall outcome.

Cons:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:07:23 UTC

While there is a considerable amount of benefits to this innovation, there are also some negatives to it that should be noted. Most technology requires recurrent updates to ensure the device has the most current software in order for it to function at the highest quality possible. Without it, the device is more susceptible to bugs and performance issues. Typically, devices will need downtime for these updates to occur. This could lead to delays in care if the smartphone tool is what is being primarily used for stroke diagnoses. There also is always the possibility of error with technology. Both patients and healthcare professionals would be relying on this technology for an accurate diagnosis. In the event of a device malfunction that led to providing inaccurate results, the patient could be wrongfully diagnosed or receive inappropriate treatment for their true condition.

Healthcare is rapidly moving towards innovations such as this one. While there are many disadvantages of technology in healthcare, the advantages might overpower.

Opinion and Rationale:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:07:46 UTC

In my personal opinion, technology has improved healthcare in countless ways and will continue to do so over the years. While there is the possibility of error in this innovation, there is also always a possibility of error in humans. Nothing is foolproof, unfortunately. However, the use of this innovation in addition to the knowledge and aid of healthcare professionals, has the potential to be increasingly more efficient and accurate in the diagnoses and treatment of strokes. The ability to quickly identify a stroke occurring sequentially minimizes delays in care, as well as leads to better patient outcomes overall. The use of this smartphone tool, in addition to other technological devices used in healthcare, should be used to complement the adeptness of healthcare professionals. It should not be considered a replacement.

Using Strengths:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:07:55 UTC

My top five strengths are Discipline, Consistency, Harmony, Intellection, and Input. The five members that I would choose for my team are the following:

Andrew (Activator): The influencing domain is one that I am lacking in my five strengths and Andrew would be great at helping to materialize the group's thoughts into practice.
Willam (Woo): William would be another member in the influencing domain and as a Woo, he would be the glue holding the team together. Woos are known for building connections with others.
Pablo (Positivity): Pablo falls under the relationship building domain which I only have one strength in, and it makes him a great addition to the team. His positivity strength will keep the group engaged and motivated.
Angelica (Analytical): Angelica is a part of the strategic thinking domain which I have two strengths in. This strength would be an asset to the team because she would assist with analyzing not only the cause of things, but also the overall outcome.
Fernando (Focus): With my top two strengths being in the executing domain, Fernando and I would get along quite well and work exceptionally together as a team. His Focus strength would be a great complement to my Discipline strength with our abilities to stay on course.

References:

smcdonald12_17 — 2024-01-20 02:08:02 UTC

Hallman, J. (2020, October 26). New tool can diagnose strokes with a smartphone. Penn State Website. https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/new-tool-can-diagnose-strokes-smartphone/

Hastings, C. (2020, October 6). Smartphone Test for Quick Stroke Diagnosis. Medgadget. https://www.medgadget.com/2020/10/smartphone-test-for-quick-stroke-diagnosis.html