Understanding the Know Thy Patient Algorithm: How AI Can Improve Healthcare
Introduction
At HIMSS25, experts will share the details of PCCI’s Know Thy Patient (KTP) algorithm, a machine learning method that identifies groups of individuals based on similar patterns of healthcare utilization and access, rather than just disease state.
What is the Know Thy Patient Algorithm?
The KTP algorithm uses an unsupervised machine learning method called clustering to identify groups of patients with similar characteristics, such as demographics, utilization, payer class, digital engagement, and other social determinants of health. This approach helps understand the unique medical and social challenges faced by each group and how they impact access to quality care and health outcomes.
How Does it Work?
In Dallas County’s safety-net population, the algorithm identifies clusters of diabetic and hypertensive patients with a combination of social and clinical risk factors. The analysis uncovers underlying, actionable risk drivers such as criminal justice involvement and immigration concerns, which are difficult to uncover using routine questionnaires.
Benefits of the Know Thy Patient Algorithm
By leveraging this information, Parkland can enhance its population health strategy, ensuring that interventions are more precisely targeted to address the needs of diabetic and hypertensive patients. For instance, community outreach in specific settings perceived as "safe" or "friendly" might be more effective in engaging some patients than digital health or office-centered approaches.
Conclusion
The Know Thy Patient algorithm is a powerful tool that can help improve patient outcomes and resource allocation. By considering factors beyond just disease category, healthcare providers can develop targeted clinical programs that are tailored to the specific needs of each patient group.
FAQs
Q: What is the Know Thy Patient algorithm?
A: The Know Thy Patient algorithm is a machine learning method that identifies groups of patients with similar characteristics, such as demographics, utilization, payer class, digital engagement, and other social determinants of health.
Q: What are the benefits of the Know Thy Patient algorithm?
A: The algorithm helps understand the unique medical and social challenges faced by each patient group, improving patient outcomes and resource allocation.
Q: How can the Know Thy Patient algorithm be applied to other vulnerable populations?
A: The data sets and analytical approaches are scalable and replicable to other vulnerable populations nationwide.
Q: How can I learn more about the Know Thy Patient algorithm?
A: You can learn more about the Know Thy Patient algorithm by attending "Know Thy Patient: AI/ML-Driven Clustering of Diabetes/Hypertension Populations" at HIMSS25 on Thursday, March 6, from 2-3 p.m. in the Venetian | Level 2 | Veronese 2501.
