Spotted: In the past 10 years, the number of academic journals has grown by more than 28 per cent, at an average of more than 2.5 per cent every year. By 2022, that growth brought the global number of academic journals to more than 46,700. Such rapid increases create overwhelming amounts of information for researchers to review at every stage of their career, from students to experienced professionals.  

With first-hand experience of that overload, a team of Canadian clinicians and scientists created a digital platform designed to lessen the burden of staying informed on the latest clinical studies and academic articles. Called Pathway, the platform is free to use for clinicians anywhere in the world. 

Combining artificial intelligence-powered (AI) assistance with physician authors and editors, the platform summarises the latest in clinical guidelines and trials. It also provides diagnostic support tools such as a clinical calculator. All the articles and summaries include easy-to-access links to original references and adhere to the company’s robust assessment process. Information is available on 33 specialities in adult medicine, including endocrinology, geriatrics, neurosurgery, primary care, cardiology, and more.  

As well as the free-to-access option, there is a paid-for service for clinicians seeking to earn continuing medical education credits. And, the company recently introduced Pathway AI for real-time AI-generated answers to clinical queries. The tool is available in beta to clinicians in the United States. 

Having recently closed a $5 million (around €4.6 million) round of seed funding, Pathway is continuing to strengthen the volume and quality of content available as well as respond to user feedback. The company also plans to expand access to Pathway AI to clinicians in other countries and further develop the tool’s capability. 

Technology is helping reduce the care burden on overworked healthcare professionals around the world. Examples highlighted in Springwise’s database include a platform connecting temporary doctors with practices and an AI imaging analysis tool that helps prioritise patients needing the most urgent care. 

Written By: Keely Khoury