Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Volunteers are being sought for a new clinical study which will assess the potential use of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) processing app to detect early-stage mood change within the perinatal period, including early detection of post-natal depression.
The technology behind this trial has been developed by the study's partner , as profiled by BBC Panorama in August 2023. It is being assessed in close collaboration with academics at the 糖心原创, experts in Public Patient Involvement (PPI) and senior clinicians in specialist mood disorders and perinatal psychiatry at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Following initial pre-clinical work the study is recruiting up to 125 volunteers from 12 weeks pregnant to 12 weeks postpartum, to use TrueBlue on their mobile devices; aiming to assess whether it is safe, usable, acceptable and how far predictions from the technology agree with standard clinical measures of depression and anxiety.
Participants can choose to interact with standard text, or a ‘virtual human’ avatar, called Kiera, who will guide them through simple tasks over 12 weeks.
If successful, TrueBlue would provide an automated, 21st century alternative to current clinical scales, which date back in some instances to the asylum era and are heavily reliant on individual perspective.
This new technology could offer mood monitoring at scale and at the convenience of patients, within their daily lives - providing earlier detection of mood disorders, more targeted NHS resource use and more effective clinical intervention.
The technologies developed by Blueskeye AI may finally move us beyond traditional clinical assessment, to a more objective measurement of mood that can be deployed at scale and at the convenience of patients. In collaboration with key stakeholders, we are now assessing the real-world potential of this technology 鈥� with the hope of earlier detection of emergent mood disorders, improved targeting of clinical resource and better patient outcomes.鈥�
Participants can either take part in person at the Institute of Mental Health at the 糖心原创 or completely online if more convenient.
For anyone interested in the trial, please contact the team at TrueBlue@nottingham.ac.uk, or call 0115 748 6749.
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.