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In Conversation with Dr. Rohit Mohindra

In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-12), we’re highlighting the important work of Dr. Rohit Mohindra, an emergency physician and Associate Chief of Research for North York General Hospital’s (NYGH’s) Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency. Collaborating closely with Dr. Ervin Sejdić (Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence for Health Outcomes), Dr. Mohindra is currently working on an AI tool designed to optimize how young patients struggling with mental health are matched with the right care upon discharge from NYGH’s Emergency Medical Services Unit (Purple Zone). Dr. Mohindra shares more about this groundbreaking project and its potential impact below:

In Conversation with Dr. Rohit Mohindra

Dr Mohindra and Dr Sedjic Working Together

In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-12), we’re highlighting the important work of Dr. Rohit Mohindra, an emergency physician and Associate Chief of Research for North York General Hospital’s (NYGH’s) Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency. Collaborating closely with Dr. Ervin Sejdić (Research Chair in Artificial Intelligence for Health Outcomes), Dr. Mohindra is currently working on an AI tool designed to optimize how young patients struggling with mental health are matched with the right care upon discharge from NYGH’s Emergency Medical Services Unit (Purple Zone). Dr. Mohindra shares more about this groundbreaking project and its potential impact below:

Q: Can you share a bit of background about yourself and your work at NYGH?

A: I’m an emergency doctor at North York General and the Associate Chief of Research for the Emergency Department. I trained in emergency medicine in Montreal and completed a fellowship in research, then joined NYGH in 2019 to build a research program for the emergency department, in partnership with the Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute. In our research we’re currently focused on three main areas: technology in the ER, care for refugees and newcomers, and managing opioid overdoses. These pillars guide our work in improving care delivery.

Q: You are currently working on an AI tool for optimizing community resource recommendations for young patients being discharged from the Emergency Medical Services Unit (Purple Zone). How did that come about?

A: The Emergency Department, in partnership with the Foundation, identified a need to streamline the process of finding appropriate services for young mental health patients leaving the ER. This process is often time-consuming due to the complexity of matching patients with the right programs based on their backgrounds. As part of the Slaight ED Mental Health grant, Dr. Ervin Sejdić and myself were approached to develop an AI tool to make this more efficient. We immediately saw the potential benefits, both clinically and systemically.

Q: What does the research look like so far?

A: Right now, we’re in the early stages, with our PhD student just beginning to design the algorithm. The goal is to simplify the process for the mental health team while offering tailored options for each patient. The AI tool will analyze patient charts, extracting relevant details like past treatments, demographic information, and preferences. It will then suggest services that best match the patient’s needs.

Q: Why is that moment of discharge so critical for mental health patients?

A: Discharge is crucial because if there’s no clear plan in place, there’s a higher risk of the patient returning or facing further issues. It’s essential to ensure they leave with a well-considered plan that fits their needs. The AI tool can help create a list of top services, empowering patients to choose what works best for them and giving them the support they need outside the ER.

Q: What’s the future vision for this AI program?

A: Ideally, the mental health team would use the tool after assessing a patient, and the system would generate a list of tailored service options based on their chart and input from the care provider. This would allow the team to present a few optimal choices to the patient, giving them autonomy while ensuring they receive the right support. It’s not about prescribing one solution but offering the best possible matches for each individual.

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: This project highlights the growth of research at NYGH and the considerable impact that donors have had on the evolution of the hospital. Five years ago, something like this wouldn’t have been possible. Having experts like Ervin, with his AI expertise, and myself, as a clinician-scientist, positions North York General to stay at the forefront of patient care and innovation.

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