Blog
The Role of Patient Organizations in Accelerating Innovation in Patient Care Through Artificial Intelligence – Pt. 4
Benefits of AI
Harvey Jenner, Principal, Healthcare Solutions, IQVIA
Matt Hackenberg, Associate Principal, Predictive Analytics, IQVIA
Alexandra Weiss Roeser, Director, Non-profit Strategy, Patient Advocacy, IQVIA
Oct 26, 2023

Our four-part blog series concludes. Read PT. 3 of the blog series.

Example of a patient advocacy organization supporting artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives

JDRF International utilized AI to address the challenge with diagnosing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adulthood. Distinguishing T1D from type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be challenging for clinicians who correlate higher prevalence of T2D, hyperglycemia, and non-specific indications with adult-onset T2D. Historically, T1D was viewed as a juvenile disease with an associated familial medical history. It is now estimated that 90% of individuals with T1D do not have family history of the disease. 1Adults misdiagnosed and treated for T2D are at higher risk for adverse events.

JDRF International and IQVIA partnered on a retrospective study to develop an AI model identifying adults at risk for misdiagnosed T2D to be considered for additional diagnostic testing of autoantibodies and subsequent reclassification to T1D. Study results reflected a 10% misdiagnosis rate in the adult cohorts and evidence of specific features and predictors correlated to the target population including younger age with lower weight, BMI, and fewer visits for hypertension.

Both organizations are now engaged in prospective validation of the AI model across four health systems through workflow-integrated identification of patients with elevated risk for misdiagnosis. Providers will have the opportunity to review patient features and order appropriate autoantibody testing for confirmation. The foundation plays a vital role in driving best practice for adult-onset T1D through thought leadership and funding for implementation of the clinical decision support tool. Outcomes from the validation are intended to inform future screening guidelines for adult-onset of T1D. This initiative exemplifies how patient organizations can leverage AI to bring about transformative changes in patient care.

Accelerating innovation – The future of AI in patient care

In the dynamic realm of healthcare, patient organizations increasingly recognize AI's potential to meet their mission and better serve their communities, despite the fact it is not without its challenges. As technology advances, these organizations are uniquely positioned to harness AI to address the unmet needs of their patient communities. Their inherent role in the healthcare ecosystem means they can spearhead these AI-driven initiatives or act as essential enablers, ensuring these solutions are developed and scaled effectively.

AI's potential to pinpoint promising areas for treatment development accelerates the discovery of innovative drugs and therapies. Integrating AI into their research endeavors allows patient organizations to ignite innovation, advancing medical knowledge and enhancing patient care. While challenges persist in integrating AI into healthcare, patient organizations are at the forefront of overcoming these hurdles. Through strategic collaborations and investments, they emerge as indispensable allies in the AI revolution, fostering clinician engagement and establishing themselves as pivotal players in the future of healthcare.

About IQVIA’s AI for healthcare team

IQVIA’s AI for healthcare team brings over eight years of experience developing and deploying AI algorithms for client actioning and business development. From those years of experience, IQVIA has cultivated a data science methodology for algorithm design, management, and longevity. We realize IQVIA success resides with the resilience and sustainability of our products in the marketplace. Through these years, IQVIA has also had the privilege of working with government organizations, healthcare organizations, payers, nonprofits, and life science organizations, gaining knowledge in all facets of healthcare delivery and addressing unique challenges facing each client.

To learn more about how IQVIA can help you with AI, contact us at pr-contact@iqvia.com.


1A.K. Steck, M.J. Rewer, Genetics of Type 1 Diabetes, Clin Chem, 57 (2) (2011), pp. 176-185

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