Chicago, a city at the forefront of medical innovation, witnessed a significant event on October 31, 2024. Tempus, a renowned leader in artificial intelligence and precision medicine, joined forces with Northwestern Medicine, Chicago's premier integrated academic health system. This collaboration holds the promise of transforming healthcare through the application of AI in clinical care and research.

Uniting AI and Healthcare for Better Patient Outcomes

Exploring the Application of AI in Clinical Care

In the complex landscape of healthcare, this partnership between Tempus and Northwestern Medicine stands as a beacon of hope. By leveraging the power of data-driven insights, they aim to revolutionize patient care. Eric Lefkofsky, CEO and Founder of Tempus, emphasizes the significance of this alliance, stating, "As we navigate the intricate web of healthcare, this collaboration underscores our commitment to using AI-enabled methods to transform patient care. We are not merely treating diseases; we are uncovering pathways to better outcomes, faster diagnoses, and more personalized treatment plans."Northwestern Medicine is taking a significant step forward by deploying Tempus' technology across its care teams in cardiology. This initiative allows them to identify patients at an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) or any of the seven structural heart diseases (SHD). These diseases include those affecting the mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valves, abnormal heart function, and abnormal heart thickening. Northwestern Medicine becomes the first provider to clinically deploy Tempus' ECG-AF algorithm, an FDA-cleared device that utilizes AI to assist physicians in identifying patients at a higher risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF). This algorithm is designed to analyze recordings from 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) devices and detect signs associated with a patient experiencing AF within the next 12 months. By doing so, these patients can be efficiently referred to a clinician for further diagnostic evaluation. As part of this initial rollout, both organizations will collaborate on a clinical research trial that will leverage a variety of Tempus technologies using ECG data.

The Impact on Patient Care at Northwestern Medicine

Northwestern Medicine is deeply committed to applying innovative technologies to enhance patient care. As Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, highlights, "Artificial intelligence has the potential to be a game-changer in healthcare. It will take a collaborative effort from all stakeholders to unlock its true potential and ensure its safe and ethical deployment in research and patient care settings." With its 11 hospitals and over 200 diagnostic and ambulatory sites, Northwestern Medicine offers patients access to world-class, compassionate care. For 13 consecutive years, Northwestern Memorial has been recognized on the Best Hospital Honor Roll by U.S. News and World Report, with 11 specialties ranking nationally. Notably, Northwestern Memorial is one of only three hospitals in the nation to receive a U.S. News rating of High Performing in all procedures and conditions. This commitment to excellence positions Northwestern Medicine as a leader in integrating AI into healthcare.