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Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for February 7, 2018

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By Scott Rasmussen

The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

February 7, 2018: Nine times out of 10, an artificial intelligence (AI) program can accurately predict whether a seriously ill hospital patient will die within 3-12 months.[1]

This tool could play a significant role in improving the quality of life for patients and their families. Currently, roughly 80% of Americans would prefer to die at home (if possible). But only 20% do. Instead, 60% die in hospitals and 20% in nursing homes.[2]

Perhaps even more significant, less than half of terminally ill patients currently receive palliative care. According to PalliativeCare.org, “This type of care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.” Rather than spending their final months receiving expensive and often uncomfortable treatments designed to prolong life, patients can spend their time with families and loved ones.[3]

More testing will be needed before this protocol can be implemented, but it is yet another indication of the potential for technology to reshape healthcare practices.

Several earlier Numbers of the Day have addressed healthcare topics.


Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.


Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 8:00 a.m. Eastern. Click here to check out the latest update.

The Number of the Day is broadcast on local stations across the country. An archive of these broadcasts can be found here.

Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

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