Artificial intelligence plan to reduce risk of harm to pregnant black women

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

 

Experts at Loughborough University are to work with the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) to identify patterns in its recent investigation.  The researchers plan to look at around 600 of HSIB’s recent investigations into adverse outcomes during pregnancy and birth.

 

The research team will develop a machine learning system capable of identifying factors, based on a set of codes, that contribute to harm experienced by black families during pregnancy and birth, including biological factors; social and economic factors; and the quality of care and communication with the mother.

 

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

 

Project leader Dr Patrick Waterson, 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.”

 

Dr Georgina Cosma 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.”

 

Jabeer Butt of the Race Equality Foundation, said AI had the potential to improve outcomes “if used wisely”.

 

He added “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.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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