A USF team is aiming to use AI to improve pain detection for newborns, especially those too weak to even cry. “This study will develop a reliable system to detect pain continuously by interpreting the infant’s physical movements, facial expressions, heart rate and respiratory rate all together,” says neonatologist Thao “Tina” Ho.
Pain assessments in the NICU typically rely on nurses’ observations and scoring, which can vary widely. The new AI system aims to deliver a standardized, continuous, and objective assessment using non-invasive, affordable sensors and cameras that integrate easily into existing hospital settings. The team will analyze photos, videos, and vital signs of infants before and after surgery to understand how pain presents in newborns through facial expressions, movements, and vital signs. Computer scientists will then train the AI to recognize those pain indicators and notify nurses in real-time of distress.
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