IET Lucknow Pioneers AI-Based App for Chronic Pain Management with National Collaboration
In a significant advancement for healthcare technology, the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) in Lucknow is spearheading the development of an artificial intelligence-based mobile application designed to detect and manage chronic pain effectively. This innovative project has garnered substantial support, with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) sanctioning a budget of Rs 1.61 crore to fund the initiative, highlighting its national importance.
Collaborative Effort with Leading Medical Institutes
The project brings together a consortium of esteemed institutions, including SGPGIMS Lucknow, AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Mangalagiri, MS Urban CHC Lucknow, and a private institution in Noida. This collaboration leverages expertise from both engineering and medical fields to create a robust solution for chronic pain, which affects approximately one in five people in India, according to Prof Sujeet Kumar Singh Gautam, principal investigator and in-charge of SGPGIMS's pain clinic.
Prof Gautam emphasized that chronic pain, defined as pain lasting over three months, often goes untreated, with 60–70% of patients not receiving adequate care. The app aims to bridge this gap by providing a user-friendly tool for doctors and healthcare professionals to diagnose and manage conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, and nerve-related disorders.
AI-Driven Data Collection and Model Development
IET director and co-investigator Vineet Kansal detailed the research process, noting that extensive clinical data is being collected from patients suffering from various chronic pain ailments. "A structured dataset will be created where the affected body parts are annotated accurately using AI-based tools, supported by medical experts," he explained. This approach ensures the app's foundation is built on reliable and comprehensive information.
Assistant professor Upendra Kumar, from the department of computer science and engineering and a co-investigator, outlined the rigorous testing phase. "The AI model will undergo repeated testing and validation in the lab to ensure accuracy and reliability before integration into the app," he said. This step is crucial for developing a trustworthy application that can be deployed in real-world healthcare settings.
Addressing Rural Healthcare Challenges
Researchers highlighted that the app is particularly targeted at addressing the shortage of trained physicians in rural areas. By enabling early diagnosis and timely treatment at the primary healthcare level, it aims to improve access to care for underserved populations. The mobile application is designed to be intuitive, allowing healthcare workers with varying levels of expertise to utilize it effectively for pain management.
- Key Features: AI-based detection, user-friendly interface, support for multiple pain conditions.
- Funding: Rs 1.61 crore from ICMR, underscoring government support for tech-driven healthcare solutions.
- Impact: Potential to enhance treatment rates for chronic pain patients across India, especially in remote regions.
This project represents a convergence of technology and medicine, poised to make a tangible difference in public health by leveraging artificial intelligence to combat the widespread issue of chronic pain.
