First in digitalizing fall prevention for 100 years of life – gait analysis powered by AI

Introduction:

If osteoporosis is diagnosed and treated early, falls and fall related costs can be prevented. A pharmaceutical company (PC) and the med tech start-up of Lindera want to partner to identify and support patients at risk. In addition to applying classical and costly bone density measurements and collecting the number of fractures, the parties aim to test an innovative digital approach that puts the patient at the center of individualized treatment and support. With the help of Lindera, the PC wants to support the convenient analysis of patient-individual risk factors and the likelihood of falling, thereby helping physicians to identify appropriate patients who may benefit from treatment. The Mobility Test is a novel diagnostic tool developed by Lindera. The Lindera Mobility Test is based on proprietary and science driven AI technology and has been certified as a Medical Device Class 1. The tool is available as an app for both Android and iOS mobile devices. Lindera has pioneered the digital and science-based prevention of falls, connecting the care team of elderly who may be at risk of falling.

Methods:

Patient assessments are based on 3D gait analyses via a regular smartphone camera; physical risk factors and living conditions are derived from a psycho-social test. The Lindera Mobility Test can be applied in a physician's office or in the convenience of a patient's home: Simply take a video with a regular smartphone camera, answer the psycho-social questions – and then get a comprehensive analysis including the individual likelihood for falling and a personalized prevention plan within seconds. For the first time, we can then track physical changes over time in a systematic way and in all living conditions to support the quality management in elderly care.

Results:

The PC and Lindera want to conduct a study that includes the Lindera Mobility Test to bring patient centricity to osteoporosis care, i.e. identify the right patients for therapy and serve the patient „beyond the pill”. The current consideration is to have 40 – 50 osteologists to enroll 1,000 patients in the study, and to follow patients for a period of 12 months. Study design and enrollment criteria will be one of the first digital joint ventures between pharma, technology and osteologists to empower the patient.

Discussion:

– risk factors and ethics of diagnostic support for digital applications – role of pharma and osteologists in a digital world – benefits and risks of patient centric approaches – how to work with a start-up? – how to better link osteologists and elder care?