AI Tool Reduces Unexpected Hospital Deaths by 26%, Canadian Study Reveals
A new study conducted at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto has shown a significant reduction in unexpected patient deaths, thanks to an in-house artificial intelligence (AI) system called Chartwatch. Launched in 2020, this AI-based early warning tool monitors patients’ vital signs and medical records to predict potential deterioration. Researchers found that the system reduced unexpected deaths by 26% among hospitalized patients in a general internal medicine unit.
Developed by a team at Unity Health Toronto, Chartwatch continuously analyzes 100 data points from patients’ health records, including heart rate, blood pressure, and lab results. The tool makes hourly predictions, allowing medical staff to intervene earlier when a patient’s condition worsens.
Dr. Muhammad Mamdani, Vice-President of Data Science at Unity Health, highlighted that the system is already saving lives. The technology has the potential to be implemented more widely, as more hospitals in Ontario consider adopting AI solutions to enhance patient care.
Though further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness across different hospital settings, Chartwatch demonstrates AI’s growing role in improving healthcare outcomes by supporting clinical decision-making and early intervention.