Nova Scotia is home to one of the oldest populations in Canada. By 2030, more than 25% of residents will be over the age of 651. Many older adults rely on multiple prescriptions to manage chronic conditions, but the risks of polypharmacy taking several medications simultaneously can be serious and even life-threatening.
In Nova Scotia nursing homes, 13% of residents take 10 or more medications each day2. These complex drug regimens increase the risk of adverse drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and challenge physicians trying to deliver safe, timely care.
Nationally, the issue of polypharmacy is even more pronounced. Nearly two-thirds of Canadians aged 65 and older residing in long-term care facilities take 10 or more prescription drugs3.
Dr. Somayeh Kafaie, Assistant Professor of Department of Mathematics and Computing Science at Saint Mary's University is leading a new research study aimed at tackling this issue using artificial intelligence (AI).
With support from a New Health Investigator Grant from Research Nova Scotia, Dr. Kafaie is developing an AI-powered platform helping healthcare providers predict and prevent harmful drug interactions.
"This system will be able to use AI to not only flag potentially problematic drug interactions for healthcare providers it will also provide explainability," says Dr. Kafaie. "The machine learning model will produce results that are accessible and useful in a patient-based environment, helping healthcare providers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently."
Her research proposes to:
- Integrate public databases by bringing all the latest drug information into one place so it's easier to catch problems.
- Use machine learning and AI to flag risks early, even some doctors might not yet know about.
- Construct a knowledge graph to show the connections between drugs and how they affect people in an easy-to-understand way.
- Develop a Q&A tool providing clear, helpful answers to medical questions, helping providers make the best choices for their patients.
Still in its early stages, the project could lead to fewer medication errors, shorter hospital stays, and better care for patients across the country. It is a promising step toward safer, smarter healthcare.
This innovative research has national implications. As healthcare systems across Canada face growing pressure from aging populations, technology like Dr. Kafaie's could play a critical role in improving quality of care while reducing system strain.
About the New Health Investigator Grant
Research Nova Scotia's New Health Investigator Grant is providing $1.48 Million to researchers to support the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare to Nova Scotians.
Each project aligns with key provincial health research priorities such as disease prevention, healthcare system innovation, and care for vulnerable populations. Funding is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness.
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