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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PLAN TO REDUCE HARM TO PREGNANT BLACK WOMEN

Published
17 November 2021

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Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Research has suggested black women are more than four times more likely to die
in pregnancy or childbirth

Researchers are to use artificial intelligence (AI) in the hope of reducing risk
to pregnant black women.

Loughborough University experts are to work with the Healthcare Safety
Investigation Branch (HSIB) to identify patterns in its recent investigations.

Research has suggested black women are more than four times more likely to die
in pregnancy or childbirth than white women in the UK.

The Race Equality Foundation said the plans were welcome "if used wisely".


'SAFE AND HEALTHY'

The researchers plan to look at more than 600 of HSIB's recent investigations
into adverse outcomes during pregnancy and birth.

The independent patient safety body has conducted more than 2,000 maternity
investigations since April 2018, with about 10% concerning black, Asian and
ethnic minority families.



These examined cases such as the death of the mother during pregnancy or
childbirth, miscarriages, stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

The research team will develop a machine learning system capable of identifying
factors, based on a set of codes, that contribute to harm during pregnancy and
birth experienced by black families.

These include biological factors, such as obesity or birth history; social and
economic factors such as language barriers and unemployment; and the quality of
care and communication with the mother.

It will look at how these elements interact with and influence each other, and
help researchers design ways to improve the care of black mothers and babies.

Image source, PA Media
Image caption,
Dr Patrick Waterson says he believes the research could reduce maternal harm

Dr Patrick Waterson, from the university, who is helping to lead the project,
said: "Ultimately, we believe the outcomes from our research have the potential
to transform the NHS's ability to reduce maternal harm amongst mothers from
black ethnic groups."

He added that in the longer term, the research could improve patient safety for
all mothers.



Dr Georgina Cosma, from the Department of Computer Science - who is also leading
the work - said: "We will develop an AI-based system for analysing maternity
investigation reports and extracting data, based on a set of codes, that is able
to identify factors which contribute to harm during pregnancy and birth."

Kevin Stewart, HSIB's medical director, said: "We are delighted to be working
with Loughborough University to understand better the factors that lead to poor
outcomes and experiences for some women from black ethnic groups.

"We believe our data, gathered from so many of our maternity investigations,
will help develop the learning required to automate analysis and identification
of themes."

The project will run for two years from January.

Jabeer Butt, chief executive of the Race Equality Foundation, said AI had the
potential to improve outcomes if "used wisely".

He said: "A woman's ethnicity should have no impact on her chances of having a
safe and healthy pregnancy, yet the reality for black pregnant women is that it
does.



"While we welcome the use of AI to better address the problem through examining
key factors like the care experiences of black mothers, safeguards will be
crucial."



Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story
ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.


MORE ON THIS STORY

 * Black women still more likely to die in childbirth
   
   11 November 2021
   
   


RELATED INTERNET LINKS

 * HSIB

 * Race Equality Foundation

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.


RELATED TOPICS

 * Medical research
 * Loughborough
 * Women
 * Artificial intelligence
 * Race and ethnicity
 * Pregnancy




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