Using Artificial intelligence to predict sports performance and to gain more quality time for doctors with patients are only two of the forward-looking research Semmelweis University had been working on lately. These are the developments the University counting on in 2023.
A system that can tell who will be a gold medalist
Semmelweis University in Budapest developed a system that can compare more than 100 parameters of sports cardiology and other tests so that athletes’ performance can be more predictable. „The method and the related study are planned to be published this year by Semmelweis University” – says Béla Merkely, head of the university’s Heart and Vascular Center.
AI can help the radiologist to interact more with their patients
A new trial by Semmelweis University may be a milestone in cardiology and may serve as essential guidelines for cardiologists worldwide. “Due to pacing, after a while, 20% of pacemaker-implanted patients may develop heart failure and become candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy. This involves implanting another electrode along the left ventricle’s lateral wall” – says Béla Merkely, head of Semmelweis University’s Heart and Vascular Center.
„In 5-10 years, AI will handle most of the repetitive tasks and evaluation, which will allow the radiologist to take on a more consultative role and actually spend more time with patients – the very aspect of patient care technology will never be able to replace” – says Pál Maurovich Horvat, head of Medical Imaging Centre of Semmelweis University. “It will set appointments, assist image reconstruction (which is key to reducing dose), support professionals in post-processing to cut time and will also help reports make more sense for patients” – he adds.
A more effective approach to treating diabetes
With better diagnostics and the gradual implementation of prevention, the rise in the number of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be stopped or moderated. Since roughly 90% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, dealing with obesity is going to be given a greater role. Treatments with new, innovative drugs that can delay or replace insulin administration are expected to gain more ground in 2023.
“GLP-1 receptor agonists can be given to many patients who previously were treated with insulin,” says professor Peter Kempler of Semmelweis University’s Department of Oncology.
Reducing the carbon footprint in ERs
Efforts to reduce the environmental impact of care have become more enhanced. “Many children come to the ER with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. For years, we have been using a protocol that consists of a single treatment and the oral administration of the related electrolyte drink,” says Péter Krivácsy, head of ER at Semmelweis University’s Department of Pediatrics. With these changes, they were able to reduce not only the number of children admitted to the hospital and needing infusions but also their ecological footprint, as they don’t use cannulas, infusions and infusion equipment.
“Progress does not always equal the introduction of technology or new drugs. It can also make a difference if we organize patient care more efficiently” – says the expert.
Two key themes in psychology in 2023
“We know that we are influenced by the media but we are less aware of the extent to which it affects our well-being, our relationships and our decisions” – says Dóra Perczel-Forintos, Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology at Semmelweis University. Mindfulness can help us be more realistic and positive about reality.
Self-regulation is another key theme this year. „Parenting is a good example for this which, after the strictness of the first half of the 20th century is now characterized by an almost complete abandonment of rules. This, however, prevents most young parents from enjoying parenthood in the early ages because they go to great lengths to keep their children happy often at their own expense” – the expert says.
Further development in therapies for coronavirus
“While we continue to pay special attention to the treatment of pneumonia, with regard to SARS-CoV2, it is necessary to introduce new, effective and oral therapies (e.g. for patients at home) as we must prepare for the spread of influenza and other respiratory viral infections.” – says Veronika Müller, director of the Department of Pulmonology at Semmelweis University.
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