2024 SAEMF Emerging Infectious Disease and Preparedness Grant - $99,106

"Improving Antibiotic Stewardship for Urinary Tract Infections Using Machine Learning"

Antibiotics are one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the emergency department (ED), and approximately three million ED visits are attributed to urinary tract infections (UTIs) annually. Missed diagnosis or undertreatment can worsen clinical outcomes, but overprescription contributes to antibiotic resistance. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) have demonstrated their potential utility for clinical decision making, but the effects of these innovations may negatively affect care in the ED if emergency providers (EPs) are not actively involved in their development. The goal of this project is to use ML to develop and implement a decision tool to aid EP diagnosis of UTIs and promote antibiotic stewardship.

Recipient

  • Ravi V. Chacko, MD, PhD

    Advocate Health Care Network

    "Improving Antibiotic Stewardship for Urinary Tract Infections Using Machine Learning"

    Dr. Chacko is an emergency physician and the co-director of research and publication for the department of emergency medicine at Advocate Christ Medical Center. Dr. Chacko draws on a background in biomedical engineering to develop innovations in emergency medicine. Dr. Chacko completed the Medical Scientist Training Program at Washington University School of Medicine where he developed novel approaches to brain computer interfaces.

  • Ryan McKillip, MD

    Advocate Health Care Network

    "Improving Antibiotic Stewardship for Urinary Tract Infections Using Machine Learning"

    Dr. McKillip is clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, and the co-director of research and publication for the department of emergency medicine at Advocate Christ Medical Center. Dr. McKillip’s work focuses on the integration of technology and artificial intelligence with medical education and practice. Dr. McKillip received a BS from Pepperdine University and an MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed residency in emergency medicine at Advocate Christ Medical Center.