An artificial intelligence-guided tool accurately identified symptoms of distress in conversations between healthcare providers and therapists early in the pandemic.
The study, conducted by researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, analyzed treatment transcripts from more than 800 physicians, nurses, and emergency medical staff, along with others who did not work in healthcare, according to an Oct. 24 news release from the school.
The AI tool found that among healthcare workers, those who spoke to their therapists specifically about working in a hospital unit, lack of sleep, or mood issues, were more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and depression compared with healthcare workers who did not discuss those topics.
Though more research is necessary, the findings suggest that AI has the potential to be used to screen for depression and anxiety, according to the researchers.