Hologram Sciences, a specialist in health tech and tailor-made diets, is set to build the 'Precision Nutrition Platform', in association with Mayo Clinic.
This step brings together machine learning with adaptive technology, backed up by Mayo Clinic's clinical expertise. The ultimate aim is to tackle the serious and widespread issue of malnutrition during surgical recovery and improve patient care across various fields, the company states.
The standout feature of the platform is its predictive analytics, which can pinpoint potential health threats as influenced by diet, and propose preventative steps straight to the patient. Focusing on early intervention, these proactive measures may play a key role in strengthening patient outcomes and promoting durable lifestyle changes, heralding a transition from reactive to anticipatory patient care.
Malnutrition represents a significant hurdle in medical institutions, impacting recovery times, outcomes, and the frequency of readmissions. Evidence suggests that roughly 42% of adult patients in hospital are malnourished, and those suffering from malnutrition stand a 56% higher risk of readmission. They also cost twice as much to treat, compared to patients who are adequately nourished.
The Precision Nutrition Platform aims for a comprehensive approach to reduce malnutrition, adhering to increasingly adopted strategies like Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), which puts nutrition in the spotlight.
Hologram Sciences envisages that the new Precision Nutrition Platform will be used in a clinical setting, amalgamating Mayo Clinic protocols and know-how into their system. The platform will draw on Hologram's unique nutritional tools, which have been fine-tuned since 2015 to promote patient engagement and habit alteration.
Dr Manpreet S. Mundi, Medical Director of Clinical Nutrition and a specialist in bariatric care at Mayo Clinic, alongside his team, will give insights to help prepare the system for clinical application.
The platform aims to incorporate both patient interaction and physician monitoring. Patients can use the platform to receive personalised coaching and feedback, directly influencing their nutritional journey and recovery.
Meanwhile, physicians have a parallel system to enable close monitoring of their patients' adherence to clinical guidelines, with alerts provided if direct intervention is necessary.
The new platform also aspires to facilitate scalable interactions with Registered Dietitians, making it possible for far more patients to enjoy their particular expertise.
This personal touch, married with a comprehensive nutritional database and a user interface designed to support habit change, stands to make the Precision Nutrition Platform an exceptionally beneficial tool for both patients and medical professionals.
The initial focus will be on bariatric and gastrointestinal surgeries where nutrient absorption is critical. The platform will guide patients through pre-surgery preparation and two-year post-surgery recovery, with personalised dietary plans, advice, and supervision.
The platform will also contain interactive features to encourage a sense of community and give patients immediate access to Registered Dietitians. This personal element aims to support the protocol-driven guidance, ensuring a well-rounded patient support system.
Ian Brady, CEO of Hologram Sciences comments on the venture: "Our partnership with Mayo Clinic marks a significant step in utilising our technology to customise patient care. The Precision Nutrition Platform seeks to capitalise on our extensive technical capabilities and human insights amassed over eight years to meet the complex nutritional needs of patients undergoing surgeries, delivering a more successful recovery and long-term wellness."