For many nursing home residents, a trip to the hospital can be a jarring experience — one that leaves them confused and stressed. Yet avoidable transfers happen far too often, not only disrupting a resident’s routine but also costing the U.S. healthcare system $2.6 billion annually.

When researchers at the University of Missouri recently looked at the decision-making process for whether or not to transfer nursing home residents to the hospital, they quickly discovered that it’s complicated — particularly for residents with cognitive impairment who may not be able to communicate their preferences.

In a review published in Molecular Biomedicine, a team from Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research investigates the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pandemic response, highlighting its contributions to epidemiological modelling, vaccine development, and disease surveillance. The study examines how AI-driven models like SIR and SIS have advanced disease spread prediction and resource optimization. Drawing from multidisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of AI in anticipating and mitigating health crises while addressing ethical challenges and data privacy concerns. This comprehensive assessment offers valuable insights for future applications of AI in global health initiatives and pandemic preparedness.