Pranavsingh Dhunno
In medical practice, vital signs have traditionally focused on four primary measurements, namely body temperature, pulse rate, breathing rate and blood pressure. These measure the basic functions of one’s body, helping clinicians assess the general health and recovery progress of patients.
Recently, a new trend has emerged where artificial intelligence (AI)-based apps are detecting vital signs as well as possible illness indicators from patients’ faces alone. While this technology is only starting to become more prevalent, this trend might point to a future where one’s face serves as a vital sign indicator of its own.
In anticipation of such a scenario unfolding, we take a look at what the technology can currently do based on three recent examples, and the implications for future medical practice.
