The ‘‘Patient centric solution for smart and sustainable healthcare’’ (ACESO) project, rationale, and protocol

The ‘‘Patient-centric solution for smart and sustainable healthcare’’ (ACESO) project aims to leverage the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create an integrated health and oral-care platform through the use of intelligent devices and data analytics, with the focus on oral hygiene and xerostomia. Methods: Sixty participants, including those with xerostomia, aged 60 years, with varying states of dentition, will be recruited in the pilot study, following classification based on a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. Participants’ salivary status at rest and in function will be assessed using a citric acid challenge test to differentiate between patients with and without xerostomia. The components to assess the end-user's oral hygiene (smart toothbrush) and oral-hygienic behavior will be tested with devices measuring general health status (sphygmomanometer, thermometer, oximeter, weighing scale, activity and sleep bracelet, and glucometer). Further, the platform integrating these components will be set up and tested in all individuals, giving input to the underlying AI engine. Results: The AI models will help to associate the seemingly disparate health and oral hygiene phenomena, possibly indicating rapid changes in patient’s health and well-being. The hitherto performed feasibility pilot demonstrated that the adopted salivary secretion challenge could differentiate patients into those with and without salivation problems. Conclusion: Preliminary tests revealed that most cases responded well to chemical stimulation. However, some participants displayed decreased salivary flow due to decreased parotid secretions. Further research is required to establish the basis of these findings.