Researchers explore potential for AI to predict patients’ pain management support needs after surgery

A Mayo Clinic retrospective study of 9,731 patients explored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict a patient’s need for opioid refills after surgery. The study used deep learning models, a form of AI, to predict which patients are most likely to require additional opioid refills after surgery while ensuring adequate pain management and minimizing the risk of opioid dependence. Refills were defined as any opioid prescribed from one to 30 days after hospital discharge. Researchers looked at a wide range of surgeries, including 280 thoracic, 1,680 abdominal, 1,575 pelvic and 5,952 musculoskeletal or orthopedic procedures. The study also Read More