Development of a protocol for conducting a randomized control trial on effects of artificial intelligence on nutritional status of children post cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of diet-related mobile application based on artificial intelligence on the nutritional status of children post-cardiac surgery, and to compare their diet-related problems with their counterparts having the usual diet.

METHODS

The two-arm double-blind randomised controlled trial will be conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, over an expected duration of 6 months from March to August 2021. Intervention group A will be given a diet-related mobile application based on artificial intelligence, while usual-care group B will be handed a pamphlet with instructions related to post-operative diet on discharge.

RESULTS

The findings will improve perception about the influence of artificial intelligence on nutritional status of children post-cardiac surgery. If proven to be effective, this mobile application can be used in other hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

The study protocol will give an indication that whether diet-related mobile application can contribute to improving the nutritional status of children post-cardiac surgery. As the pandemic has forced people to minimise hospital visits, this is the right time to evaluate the utility of such an application.

RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Study was registered on clinicaltrial.gov with trial identity number NCT04782635.